President Droupadi Murmu Makes History with Overnight Stay at Similipal Tiger Reserve
In an unprecedented move, President Droupadi Murmu is set to become the first serving President of India to spend a night inside the Similipal Tiger Reserve, the world's only known habitat of melanistic tigers. This historic visit is scheduled for Friday night at the Gudgudia guesthouse, located within the reserve in Mayurbhanj district, which happens to be the President's home district.
Boosting International Wildlife Tourism
The President's overnight stay is expected to significantly boost tourism and firmly place Similipal on the international wildlife tourism map. This move aligns the reserve with some of the world's most sought-after wildlife destinations, highlighting its unique ecological significance.
Similipal was last visited by President Murmu in May 2023, demonstrating her continued connection to the region. The Gudgudia guesthouse, an eco-tourism site serving as the gateway to the south division's core area, is noted for its concentration of Royal Bengal Tigers. Nearby, another eco-tourism site called Kumari complements the facilities.
Security and Accommodation Arrangements
Authorities have made extensive preparations for the visit:
- Both Gudgudia and Kumari sites, featuring 26 rooms total, were reserved exclusively for Friday
- The Gudgudia guesthouse will accommodate the President, while other facilities will host her entourage
- Approximately 10 platoons of police force out of 40 available will be deployed in Similipal, including SOG commandos
- DIG (eastern range) Pinak Mishra confirmed the security arrangements
Community Engagement and Culinary Preparations
As part of her program, President Murmu is likely to interact with tribal villagers from the fringe villages of Gudgudia and Barehipani. Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, also from Mayurbhanj, will be present during these interactions.
Similipal field director Prakash Gogineni detailed the culinary arrangements:
- The President's personal chefs will accompany her despite the availability of trained local cooks
- Local cooks from nearby villages will prepare everything in advance
- The President's chefs will both supervise and prepare food
- Separate catering facilities will serve her entourage, security personnel, police, and other officials
Safari Possibilities and Previous Visit
While Similipal authorities confirmed there is no scheduled safari program for the President during this visit, they noted that if it occurs, it would require more than two hours. During her previous visit in May 2023, President Murmu:
- Spent time observing wildlife at Chahala, a core area in north Similipal
- Donned a jacket and wildlife hat from Similipal while exploring the area
- Went wildlife sighting in a vehicle, despite having an open safari vehicle available
This historic overnight stay represents a significant moment for both conservation efforts and regional development, potentially transforming Similipal into a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.
