Bhubaneswar, July 22: Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia on Wednesday inaugurated the state-of-the-art Integrated Forest Monitoring & Command Centre (IFMCC) at Aranya Bhawan here.

The IFMCC is envisioned as a technology-enabled command centre capable of integrating real-time field information, satellite-based monitoring, GIS analytics, and decision support systems to enable timely interventions for forest conservation, wildlife protection, and disaster response.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the adoption of advanced digital technologies would further strengthen forest governance, enhance transparency, and support timely decision-making for the conservation and sustainable management of Odisha's forest resources.

The initiative reinforces Odisha's leadership in adopting digital governance for environmental conservation and is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, coordination, and service delivery across the Forest Department.

On this occasion, a detailed demonstration of the CA Land Bank, Integrated Forest Monitoring & Command Centre (IFMCC) Dashboard, and Odisha Forest Management System (OFMS) Version II was also conducted. This was followed by discussions on the Wood-Based Industries Rules and the Eco-restoration Policy.

The refurbished OFSDS website, www.ofsds.odisha.gov.in, was also formally launched by the Minister. Two key publications - the Souvenir of the 14th National Workshop of JICA-Assisted Forestry Projects in India and the Annual Report of Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project, Phase-II (2025–26) - highlighting the project's achievements, best practices, and collaborative efforts in sustainable forestry and community development - were also unveiled.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Dr. K. Murugesan, PCCF (KL), Uma Nanduri, Chief Project Director, OFSDP, G Rajesh, CF (IT & GIS) V. Karthick, Special Secretary to Government, Swayam Mallick, Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary to Government, K.S Pradeep along with senior officers of the Department.