Second Regional Plant Resource Centre Coming Up in Keonjhar
New 134-acre facility at Sanaghagara to boost biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and research
Bhubaneswar : The Odisha government has announced plans to establish its second Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) at Sanaghagara in Keonjhar district, marking a major step toward strengthening the state’s biodiversity and eco-tourism initiatives. The project, envisioned as a flagship initiative by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will be developed over an area of 134 acres and is expected to be completed by 2027.
Chief Minister Majhi chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar with senior officials from the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department and the Keonjhar District Administration to review plans for the project’s implementation. The meeting focused on key design, conservation, and infrastructure aspects to ensure the new RPRC serves as a model for sustainable development and environmental education.
Promoting Biodiversity and Research
According to official sources, the upcoming RPRC will showcase Odisha’s vast floral diversity, including several native and rare species. The centre will feature a wide collection of orchids, roses, bamboo, cactus, and wild fruits, making it a vibrant attraction for nature enthusiasts, students, and researchers.
The facility is designed to serve as a centre for biodiversity conservation, community engagement, eco-tourism promotion, and scientific research. It will also support educational activities through thematic gardens, interpretive exhibits, and awareness programs highlighting Odisha’s unique ecosystems. Officials stated that the centre will not only act as a repository of native flora but also function as a platform for conservation-based livelihoods and sustainable tourism in the region.
A Hub for Eco-Tourism and Community Development
Chief Minister Majhi underscored that the Sanaghagara RPRC should operate as a year-round tourist destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors. He said the project should be developed in a way that integrates tourism with conservation, enabling local communities to benefit economically while promoting environmental stewardship.
Majhi directed officials to adopt innovative landscaping and visitor-friendly amenities to make the centre a key attraction in northern Odisha. “The Regional Plant Resource Centre in Keonjhar will not only protect biodiversity but also position the district as a hub of eco-tourism and green learning,” the Chief Minister said.
Measures for Wildlife Safety and Ecosystem Balance
During the review meeting, Majhi also highlighted the need to address human-elephant conflicts in the Sanaghagara region. He instructed the Keonjhar district administration to construct deep trenches and natural barriers around vulnerable zones to prevent elephant intrusion and ensure the safety of both wildlife and local residents.
The Chief Minister further stressed the importance of preserving the Machkandana River, which flows through the proposed site. He directed officials to implement measures to maintain a steady water flow throughout the year to support the region’s biodiversity and sustain the ecosystem around the RPRC.
Strengthening Odisha’s Green Legacy
The establishment of the new RPRC in Keonjhar will be Odisha’s second such centre, complementing the existing Regional Plant Resource Centre in Bhubaneswar, which has been instrumental in botanical research and conservation for decades. Once completed, the Keonjhar facility is expected to serve as a model for regional conservation, combining research, recreation, and community participation.
By setting up the new RPRC, the Odisha government aims to advance its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection while fostering green tourism. The initiative reflects the state’s broader vision of harmonizing ecological conservation with socio-economic growth.
