Bhubaneswar, 3 October 2026 [ADN]: The State Level Wildlife Week Celebration, 2026 was organised at the State Convention Centre, Loka Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, with a focus on strengthening wildlife conservation, research, ecological awareness and responsible ecotourism in Odisha. The programme was graced by Hon’ble Minister, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Labour & Employee’s State Insurance, Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Minister said that Wildlife Week is not merely an occasion to express our love for wildlife, but also an opportunity to strengthen the deep bond between nature and human beings and to renew our commitment towards wildlife conservation. Over the past two years, Odisha has achieved several notable milestones in the field of wildlife conservation. These achievements have been driven by a scientific approach, modern technology, strong administrative measures, and, above all, the dedicated contribution of forest personnel and local community.
The Adani Foundation has been working in Odisha for almost a decade, with its programs reaching 283 villages across seven districts. Its work ranges from education and outreach, health services through wellness centers, mobile medical units and specialized health camps, and livelihood programs supporting farmers, women and youth. The Foundation has also supported community infrastructure through road, drinking water, sanitation and rural electrification initiatives.
A boat-based survey recorded 1,390 individual turtles and 67 mating pairs during the 2025-26 nesting season. Most sightings were recorded within two kilometers of the coast. The report calls for continued monitoring to better understand how these movements and habitat use may affect the conservation of nesting sites.
This research enriches the extensive conservation work being done by the Adani Foundation in Odisha and complements the Adani Group’s broader focus on environmental sustainability. The Group participated in the New York Climate Week from 20-27 September 2026, contributing to the global conversation on climate action and the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
The celebration also included the distribution of sanction orders and cheques to victims whose houses were completely damaged by wildlife, reaffirming the State’s commitment towards supporting people affected by human-wildlife interactions.
The ceremony was attended by Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Dr. K. Murugesan, PCCF and HoFF, Shri Prem Kumar Jha, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr. Manoj V. Nair, Additional PCCF (Wildlife), along with senior officials of the Forest Department, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists.
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