Wildlife Week 2022: Odisha CM appeals to come forward for wildlife conservation, restoration of their habitats

Bhubaneswar: State-level Wildlife Week 2022 was celebrated at Jaydev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar on 7th October 2022. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emphasised that human civilization and wildlife are very closely associated, loss of keystone species due to human-induced biotic interference will have an adverse impact on the Ecosystem. The Odisha CM appealed to the people of the state to come forward and join hands for the conservation of wildlife and restoration of their habitats for the well-being of our future generations.

Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Pradip Kumar Amat appreciated the participation of local villagers in the management of Ecotourism in the state. He said that local villagers could able to supplement their livelihood through Ecotourism. Further, he said that some more ecotourism destinations will come up in near future in addition to the existing 47 destinations spread over 18 districts of the state. As per the Forest Survey of India 2021, the total area of mangrove forests has increased by 8.34 Sq Km in the last two years, which is the highest in the country, he informed.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mona Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department praised the people of Odisha for their support in the conservation of wildlife in the state. She emphasized involving the local community in all the activities for the protection and conservation of wildlife.

Sri Sushil Kumar Popli, IFS, PCCF(Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden in his welcome address briefed him regarding various activities undertaken and continuing for the protection and conservation of the Wildlife and their habitats.

On this occasion, State Level Exhibition was inaugurated at Jaydev Bhawan. The winners of the Quiz, Photography, Sit and Draw Competitions were awarded. Bikiji Nag of Siskela, Bolangir and Rabindranath Sahu of Purunabandh, Ganjam were honoured with the “State Level Biju Patnaik Wildlife Conservation Award” for this year for their exemplary contribution to the conservation of wildlife. Three Books e.g., “Wildlife Odisha”, “Birds of Bhubaneswar” and “Similipal- The Forest of Hundred Orchids” were released. Dr Manoj V. Nair, IFS, CCF (Wildlife) offered vote of thanks.