Daspalla: (Report- Ratnakar Hota): While forests across Odisha continue to smolder and burn, the recent pre-monsoon showers have provided some relief, partially dousing the wildfires. However, in the Satkosia wildlife sanctuary, the relentless efforts and dedication of forest officials have ensured that the flames have barely touched this wetland-rich forest. 
According to departmental sources, the Satkosia region, along with its adjoining forests in Nayagarh’s Gania and Daspalla blocks, as well as the Kushanga wildlife division in Boudh district, has been recognized as a 'Ramsar Site' a few years ago. This prestigious designation was announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India.
Satkosia is now one of the 10 significant wetlands in India to receive this honor. The Ramsar designation aims to protect and conserve wetlands of international importance, and this recognition is considered a major milestone on the global stage. UNESCO grants this status to highlight the ecological significance of wetlands. Prior to Satkosia, Odisha’s Chilika Lake and Bhitarkanika had also been awarded this distinction. With this recognition, Satkosia has become the third site in the state to achieve Ramsar status.
Nationally, Tamil Nadu leads with six Ramsar Sites, while Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha each have one. To date, India has designated 64 sites as Ramsar Wetlands.
Satkosia, with its dense forests and pristine natural environment, remains a rare and untouched gem, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai, wild boar, barking deer, leopards, flying squirrels, and chital. It also serves as a habitat for rare species such as the Indian pangolin, king cobra, and various reptiles like the gharial, mugger crocodile, and monitor lizards. The sanctuary’s avian population is equally impressive, with species like the crested serpent eagle, fishing eagle, hornbills, parrots, and mynas filling the air with their melodious calls.
One of the unique features of Satkosia is the presence of red sandalwood, a highly valuable tree species, within its confines. Additionally, the sanctuary boasts a natural cold water spring atop a hill, where ice-cold water is available year-round. To enhance the visitor experience, the Mahanadi Wildlife Division has constructed a high tower near Badamula, offering breathtaking views of the Satkosia gorge and the majestic Mahanadi River.
Located 8 kilometers from Badamula, the Kuturi area serves as a natural breeding ground for wildlife. The forest department has established water tanks, grasslands, and tree plantations to ensure the safety and sustenance of the sanctuary’s inhabitants. For tourists, tree-top platforms and cottages have been built to observe the nocturnal activities of the wildlife.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Satkosia sanctuary is steeped in cultural and historical significance. The Baisipalli forest area features ancient stone inscriptions and the legendary Saptapathara, a site associated with mythological tales. The sanctuary spans from the Mahanadi Reserve Forest in Nayagarh to the Nandagada Reserve Forest in Boudh, offering a mesmerizing landscape that captivates visitors.
Satkosia’s recognition as a Ramsar Site underscores its ecological importance and highlights the need for continued conservation efforts to protect this invaluable natural treasure.
According to departmental sources, the Satkosia region, along with its adjoining forests in Nayagarh’s Gania and Daspalla blocks, as well as the Kushanga wildlife division in Boudh district, has been recognized as a 'Ramsar Site' a few years ago. This prestigious designation was announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India.
Satkosia is now one of the 10 significant wetlands in India to receive this honor. The Ramsar designation aims to protect and conserve wetlands of international importance, and this recognition is considered a major milestone on the global stage. UNESCO grants this status to highlight the ecological significance of wetlands. Prior to Satkosia, Odisha’s Chilika Lake and Bhitarkanika had also been awarded this distinction. With this recognition, Satkosia has become the third site in the state to achieve Ramsar status.
Nationally, Tamil Nadu leads with six Ramsar Sites, while Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha each have one. To date, India has designated 64 sites as Ramsar Wetlands.
Satkosia, with its dense forests and pristine natural environment, remains a rare and untouched gem, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai, wild boar, barking deer, leopards, flying squirrels, and chital. It also serves as a habitat for rare species such as the Indian pangolin, king cobra, and various reptiles like the gharial, mugger crocodile, and monitor lizards. The sanctuary’s avian population is equally impressive, with species like the crested serpent eagle, fishing eagle, hornbills, parrots, and mynas filling the air with their melodious calls.
One of the unique features of Satkosia is the presence of red sandalwood, a highly valuable tree species, within its confines. Additionally, the sanctuary boasts a natural cold water spring atop a hill, where ice-cold water is available year-round. To enhance the visitor experience, the Mahanadi Wildlife Division has constructed a high tower near Badamula, offering breathtaking views of the Satkosia gorge and the majestic Mahanadi River.
Located 8 kilometers from Badamula, the Kuturi area serves as a natural breeding ground for wildlife. The forest department has established water tanks, grasslands, and tree plantations to ensure the safety and sustenance of the sanctuary’s inhabitants. For tourists, tree-top platforms and cottages have been built to observe the nocturnal activities of the wildlife.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Satkosia sanctuary is steeped in cultural and historical significance. The Baisipalli forest area features ancient stone inscriptions and the legendary Saptapathara, a site associated with mythological tales. The sanctuary spans from the Mahanadi Reserve Forest in Nayagarh to the Nandagada Reserve Forest in Boudh, offering a mesmerizing landscape that captivates visitors.
Satkosia’s recognition as a Ramsar Site underscores its ecological importance and highlights the need for continued conservation efforts to protect this invaluable natural treasure.
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