Odisha launches the revamped OFSDS website and a new Integrated Forest Monitoring and Command Centre to enhance digital forest governance and conservation
OdishaPlus Bureau
Bhubaneswar, July 23: Odisha Government on Wednesday launched the revamped website of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS), alongside a series of digital initiatives aimed at strengthening forest governance, monitoring and sustainable management across the State.
Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia attended a special programme organised by the Forest Department at Aranya Bhawan in Bhubaneswar as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the website, www.ofsds.odisha.gov.in.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project Phase-II (OFSDP-II) has been contributing to both forest conservation and strengthening sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities by implementing community-focused initiatives.
“The OFSDP-II is making significant contributions towards forest conservation while promoting sustainable livelihood development for local communities. The various people-centric initiatives being implemented under the project are improving people’s livelihoods and creating new opportunities for income generation. At the same time, the project is playing an important role in enhancing the state’s green cover, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable forest management,” he said.
The programme also witnessed the release of the Annual Report (2025–26) of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP-II) and the Souvenir of the 14th National Workshop on JICA-Assisted Afforestation Projects in India.
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Integrated Forest Monitoring and Command Centre (IFMCC). The state-of-the-art facility has been established at Aranya Bhawan to strengthen the monitoring, protection and management of forest resources through real-time surveillance and data-driven decision-making.
According to officials, the IFMCC will facilitate real-time monitoring, analytical assessment and faster response mechanisms, with the objective of improving the efficiency of forest management and conservation efforts across Odisha.
The Minister also launched the CA Land Bank in Degraded Revenue Forest Land, Odisha Forest Management System 2.0, and several web applications developed under the IFMCC as part of the State’s expanding digital forest governance ecosystem.
Among those present at the event were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force Dr. K. Murugesan; PCCF (Kendu Leaves) Uma Nanduri; Additional PCCF (Nodal) and Project Director, OFSDP-II, G. Rajesh; Deputy Inspector General of Forests, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Anand Kumar Prabhakar; CAMPA Odisha CEO T. Ashok Kumar; Conservator of Forests (GIS & IT) V. Karthick; Special Secretary to Government Swayam Mallik; Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary to Government K. S. Pradeep; Joint Project Director, OFSDP-II, Rinku Kumari; and other senior officials of the Forest Department.