MAHANADI WILDLIFE DIVISION,NAYAGARH

                                       Mahandadi Wildlife Division was created vide Resolution No.13060/F & E dt. BBSR the 12th July,1999 of Government of Orissa, Forest and Environment Department.  This Division was created Specifically for proper upkeep and management of a part of Satakosia Wildlife Sanctuary situated South of river Mahanadi in Boudh & Nayagarh District and Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary in Nayagarh District.  The area of this Division comes under two District administration viz. Boudh & Nayagarh and the Division Office situated at Nayagarh.

                             The Division consists of four Ranges, viz-Banigochha East, Banigochha West, Chhamundia and Kusanga with headquarters at Kuanaria, Banigochha, Chhamundia and Kusanga respectively.  These Ranges are further divided into sections and beats for administrative convenience Total area of the Division is 437.29 Sq.Kms. out of which Baisipalli W.L.Sanctuary is 168.35 Sq.Kms and 268.94 Sq.Kms.  

Location:

                    The Division area is situated South of the river Mahanadi consisting of Baisipalli Sanctuary and Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary.  The land schedule of the area is given below.

Baisipalli Sanctuary : -

Created on 6th, May 1981 vide Government of Orissa, FFAH Department Notification No.8F(W)-116-81-25335/FFAH.  It comprises of the whole of Baisipalli RF which is divided into 20 compartments.  The management of the Sanctuary is done by Banigochha East and Banigochha West Ranges.  

Surroundings :

North: Khalkhala Nala and Mahanadi R.F. Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary.

East  : Revenue Villages i.e. Dhepasahi, Gochhabari, Badasilinga, Makarprasad and Chilikipathara.

South: Daspalla Boudh PWD Road and Brutanga river.

West : District Boundary between Nayagarh and Boudh District.  

Baisipalli 

Sapapathar  Baisipalli 

 Satakosia Gorge Sanctuary (South of River Mahanadi)  

                    Satakosia Gorge Sanctuary was created vide Government of Orissa, FFAH Department Notification No.12727 dt.19.05.1976.  Total area of the sanctuary is 795.52 Sq.Km. out of which 268.94 Sq.Km. is within the jurisdiction of this Division.  It comprises of the whole of Padmatola RF, Arakhapada RF (Compartment No.1 & 2) & Nandagadu DPF, in Boudh District and Mahanadi RF in Nayagarh District comprising of 17 compartments.  The management of the Sanctuary is taken up by Kusanga and Chhamundia Wildlife Ranges.

 PHYSIOGRAPHY : -

                        The area is undulating with hills and valleys, rising up to a maximum height of 779 mtrs.  Approximately.  Soil is fertile with sandy loan mostly.  The entire area is dissected by a number of nallas, streams and rivulets draining into the Mahanadi River system which finally drains into the river Mahanadi.  All these are mainly seasonal water sources.

FLORA : -

Flora of these two sanctuaries is dominated by Sal and its associates like Bija, Asan,  Amala, amba,  Bahada,Kurum, dhoura,Kochila, Harida  Palas, Kusum, Kendu, Neem, Oau,  Panas,Rai,Siris,Sisoo,Sunari,Bamboo and in addition to this a number of shrubs, climbers and grasses are found.  Among the grasses Sabai grass is an important member. Along with the above flora a number of gymnosperms,bryophytes and pterodophytes are also found which needs documentation. 

FAUNA: -

                    Tiger, Leopard, Striped hyena, Wild dog, Indian Wolf, Fox, Sloth bear, Sambar, Civet Cat, Fishing cat, Leopard cat, Chousingha, Chital, Flying Squirel, Wild boar, Gaur, a small migratory population of Elephants, Gharial and Maggar crocodile in the Mahanadi River, monitor lizard, turtises, king cobra, pythons and other snakes, hernbills, Hill mynas, Brahamananay ducks and different varieties of both resident and migratory birds.

Communication:     

                    The Division is will communicated by roads.  Both the sanctuaries are approachable from PWD roads from Nayagarh Dsitrict, Boudh District and Kandhamal District.

POINTS OF TOURIST ATTRACTION :

                    The sanctuary boosts of offering the following to tourists visiting the area. Calm picutreseque hill surrounding the deep blue water of the river Mahanadi. Beautiful stretches of sandy riverbank is with hanging tree branches.  For the adventures and Wildlife lovers-viewing of Wild reptiles like muggers, Gharials, Turtles and Water monitor lizards-a common sight. Sighting of Wildlife like Elephant, Leppard, Barking deer, Wild Buffallow etc. Colourful birds, insect and orchid population. Sighting of the majestic OSPREY (Fishing hawk). Watching resident and migratory birds. Natural Picnic spots.  Hikers paradise. Tribal artifacts and tattling a feature of tribal hamlets. Boating in river Mahanadi , River view observatory, Nature lovers tree to manchan.

          Visitors can find accommodation at the following places.  

                   Chharichak-            Forest Rest House

                    Sitlpani-                PWD Rest Shed

                    Kuturi-                  PWD Rest Shed

Badmul-                 Irrigation Rest shed

Chhamundia-          Forest Rest Hosue.  

DEER PARK AT KUANRIA 

Sambar & spotted Deer  

Spotted Deer

                        There is one Deer Park at Kuanria which is about 8 Kms. From Daspalla in the N.H.towards Boudh.  It was under the control of Nayagarh Division previously.  The said Deer Park was handed over to Mahanadi Wildlife Division on 23.10.2002 for its management.  The area of the park is about 6Ac. At the time of taking over charge of the deer park the population of deer’s were-spotted Deer-97 nos. Barking Deer-4 Nos. and Sambar-2 Nos.. Now the population of spotted Deer has been increased and present population is as follows.

                    Spotted Deer-159

                         Barking Der-2 Nos.

                         Sambar- 2 Nos.

                    Total-163 Nos.      

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