Bhubaneswar, October 10, 2025 — In a significant step toward reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, the 71st State-Level Wildlife Week was celebrated with enthusiasm and resolve at Loka Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. The event brought together conservationists, forest officials, policymakers, and citizens to reflect on the importance of preserving the state’s diverse flora and fauna.
During the celebration, dignitaries and experts emphasized the urgent need to safeguard Odisha’s rich ecological heritage and to promote a culture of environmental responsibility among all sections of society.
Attended the 71st State Level Wildlife Week 2025 celebration at Loka Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
Emphasized the need to preserve our rich biodiversity and promote environmental responsibility.
Launched the ‘HAWK’ digital application to enhance wildlife conservation efforts in… pic.twitter.com/2yKlidBwPe
— Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati (@DrHariBabuK) October 9, 2025
Launch of ‘HAWK’ – A New Era in Wildlife Monitoring
A major highlight of the event was the official launch of ‘HAWK’ (Highly Advanced Wildlife Keeper) — a digital application designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of wildlife conservation efforts across the state.
The HAWK app is a tech-driven tool that aims to:
-
Strengthen surveillance and monitoring of protected areas and wildlife habitats
-
Enable real-time reporting of poaching incidents, forest fires, or illegal encroachments
-
Support data collection on animal movements and habitat conditions
-
Facilitate coordination among forest departments, patrolling teams, and conservationists
By integrating technology with on-ground forest protection mechanisms, HAWK represents a modern and proactive approach to safeguarding wildlife and ensuring timely interventions.
Honouring Champions of Conservation
The event also recognized the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to wildlife protection and environmental awareness in Odisha. Awards and commendations were presented to forest officers, researchers, NGOs, and community members who have demonstrated commitment to ecological stewardship.
In his keynote address, the attending dignitary stressed the importance of community involvement and technology in securing a sustainable future for Odisha’s forests and wildlife.
A State Rich in Natural Heritage
Odisha is home to diverse ecosystems — from the mangroves of Bhitarkanika to the tiger reserves of Similipal — and supports species such as elephants, tigers, leopards, crocodiles, and numerous endemic birds and reptiles. The state has been at the forefront of several successful conservation programs, including olive ridley turtle protection, elephant corridor preservation, and community forest management.
A Collective Responsibility
The Wildlife Week celebration served as a reminder that the responsibility of conservation lies not only with the government or forest departments, but also with citizens, students, and civil society. With climate change, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict posing growing challenges, collaborative action is essential.
The integration of digital tools like HAWK signals a shift towards smart conservation strategies, making wildlife protection more agile, transparent, and accountable.
Conclusion
The 71st State-Level Wildlife Week 2025 concluded with a renewed call to action — to protect Odisha’s natural treasures, empower forest frontline workers, and build a greener, more harmonious future. As the state steps into a new era of tech-enabled conservation, platforms like HAWK are expected to play a vital role in shaping sustainable wildlife management practices for years to come.
Comments are closed