Bhubaneswar, Nov. 22 -- Plans for the world's first melanistic (black) tiger safari in Mayurbhanj have received final clearance after the Supreme Court granted permission earlier this week, removing the last legal barrier that had stalled the project for months.

The safari, proposed at Manchabandha, around 10 km from Baripada, had already obtained mandatory approvals from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), but could not be executed due to a pending petition before the Apex Court.

Authorities confirmed that with the Court decision, Odisha can now proceed to operationalise the safari. Officials said the initiative will position Odisha at the forefront of wildlife tourism while also suppor...