Natural Resources of Odisha

Overview

Natural resources form the backbone of Odisha's economy and ecological identity. The state is among India's richest in mineral wealth and forest cover, making this topic a high-priority area for OTET Paper I Environmental Studies. Questions typically test knowledge of specific minerals and their locations, major forests and wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation measures relevant to Odisha.

For the exam, you must know the exact districts where key minerals are found, the names and locations of national parks and sanctuaries, and the relationship between tribal communities and forest resources. The topic also connects to broader themes of environmental protection and sustainable development, which appear across EVS questions.

Mastering this topic requires memorising factual data (mineral names, district names, sanctuary names) while understanding the conservation challenges Odisha faces due to mining, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict.

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Key Concepts

• **Odisha holds about 28% of India's iron ore reserves**, making it the leading iron ore producing state. Major deposits are in Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Mayurbhanj districts.

• **Bauxite deposits in Odisha are among the largest in India**, concentrated in Koraput, Rayagada, and Kalahandi districts on the Eastern Ghats plateau.

• **Forest cover in Odisha is approximately 33% of the state's geographical area**, consisting of tropical moist deciduous, tropical dry deciduous, and semi-evergreen forests.

• **Simlipal National Park is Odisha's only national park** and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to tigers, elephants, and the famous sal forests.

• **Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon** and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, hosting migratory birds including the Irrawaddy dolphin.

• **Tribal communities (62 tribal groups) depend heavily on forest resources** for livelihood, creating a direct link between forest conservation and social welfare.

• **Mining activities pose the greatest threat to Odisha's natural resources**, causing deforestation, water pollution, and displacement of communities.

• **Joint Forest Management (JFM) involves local communities** in forest protection and sustainable use, implemented actively in Odisha since the 1990s.

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Formulas / Key Facts

| Resource Type | Key Details | |---------------|-------------| | **Iron Ore** | Districts: Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj; Odisha produces about 50% of India's iron ore | | **Bauxite** | Districts: Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi; used for aluminium production | | **Chromite** | Odisha holds 98% of India's chromite; Sukinda valley in Jajpur district | | **Manganese** | Districts: Keonjhar, Sundargarh; used in steel production | | **Coal** | Talcher coalfield in Angul district; Ib valley in Jharsuguda | | **Limestone** | Sundargarh and Koraput districts | | **Forest Area** | About 51,619 sq km (33% of state area) | | **National Park** | Simlipal (Mayurbhanj) – only national park; Tiger Reserve since 1973 | | **Important Sanctuaries** | Bhitarkanika (crocodiles), Satkosia (gharial), Nandankanan (zoo-cum-sanctuary) | | **Ramsar Sites** | Chilika Lake (1981) and Bhitarkanika Mangroves (2002) |