Odisha’s Barbara forest set for ecotourism push

Context

The government has decided to open Barbara Forest in Odisha for public to boost eco-tourism.

About Barbara forest

• The Barbara forest is located near Chilika lake in coastal Odisha touching three districts Khordha, Nayagarh and Ganjam.
• It is dubbed as Asia’s largest teak and sal forest.
• It is the only forest in India guarded by the jawans of Central Reserve Police Force (for protecting forest resources).
• It is named after a British woman, Barbara who had been killed by a tiger in the late 19th century while she was with her husband on a hunting expedition.
• The thick forests of Barbara are inhabited by giant squirrels, making it a major contender to become a sanctuary for giant squirrels.
• One can find other species like sambar, deer, mouse deer and bison in the forest.