Finance
Odisha has taken a significant stride toward technology-driven forest administration with the opening of the Integrated Forest Monitoring & Command Centre (IFMCC) at Aranya Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Labour, and Employees’ State Insurance, opened the facility, marking a key milestone in the state’s efforts to achieve sustainable forest management with modern digital technology.
The newly formed IFMCC will function as a technology-enabled command center, combining real-time field data, satellite-based monitoring, GIS analytics, and decision-support technologies to improve forest conservation, wildlife protection, and disaster response mechanisms.
Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia addressed the gathering, stating that the use of new digital technologies would strengthen forest governance, promote transparency, and allow for faster decision-making for the conservation and sustainable management of Odisha’s forest resources.
The minister stated that the program represents the Odisha government’s commitment to adopting innovative technology to manage natural resources efficiently and sustainably. The center is intended to improve operational efficiency, coordination, and service delivery throughout the Forest Department.
During the inauguration, the CA Land Bank, IFMCC Dashboard, and Odisha Forest Management System (OFMS) Version-II were demonstrated. There were also discussions about the Wood-Based Industries Rules and the Eco-Restoration Policy.
On the occasion, the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS) formally unveiled its redesigned website. Two significant publications, the Souvenir of the 14th National Workshop of JICA-Assisted Forestry Projects in India and the Annual Report of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project, Phase-II (2025-26), were released, highlighting achievements, best practices, and collaborative efforts in sustainable forestry and community development.
Senior officials, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Odisha, Dr. K. Murugesan, PCCF (KL) Odisha Uma Nanduri, Chief Project Director, OFSDP G. Rajesh, CF (IT & GIS) Karthick V., Special Secretary to Government Swayam Mallick, Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary K.S. Pradeep, and other senior department officers, attended the inauguration ceremony.
