Bhubaneswar: For successful implementation of various schemes adopted for the protection of wild animals and their habitats, public, media, volunteers and social institutions should extend unwavering cooperation opined Minister of Forests, Environment and Climate Change Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia on Thursday.
Minister Singkhuntia made the opinion while participating as the chief guest during celebration of 70th State Wildlife Week, 2024 in Bhubaneswar.
Singkhuntia said that every year ‘Wildlife Week’ is observed throughout the country from the 2nd of October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the great apostle of peace and non-violence.
“The main objective of the Wildlife Week is to create widespread awareness among the public for the protection, conservation and growth of wildlife and their habitats. On this occasion, we remember our commitment to protect the wildlife of the state, which is a major responsibility given by the constitution of our country. ‘Jibe Daya’ (Compassion to Animals) is the basic mantra of our ancient culture and tradition. Human society and wildlife are intimately connected. This natural balance is essential for the survival of human society. For this, the contribution of wildlife is very important,” Singhkhuntia stated.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has always stressed upon the protection, preservation and growth of the precious wildlife of the state, he added.
The Minister informed that at present 36.21 percent of Odisha’s geographical area is covered by forest which is significantly higher than the national average of 24 percent which is a tangible proof of our state’s strong initiative towards the protection and conservation of wildlife, forests and environment.
“The vast biodiversity of our state is unparalleled in the entire world. Our forest is rich in diverse wildlife and biodiversity. More than a thousand species of plants, 14 species of mammals, 537 species of birds, 29 species of amphibians and 129 species of reptiles are found in our state. Chilika lake, Similipal National Park and protected forests have been providing protection to various endangered species of wildlife. It is our great duty to preserve and protect these areas as they are fully protected areas for wildlife and full of biodiversity. The state government is taking various measures for the protection, conservation, growth and habitat of wild animals,” the Minister further informed.
Singhkhuntia said that it is very important to create and spread awareness among students about wildlife conservation, environmental awareness and the need of forests for human society.
“Deforestation and environmental damage can definitely be prevented if there is an inherent attraction and interest in this matter from a young age. The same way we show love and respect to domestic animals, we should show the same respect, kindness, and compassion to the wild animals that live in forest. Once the precious wildlife is gone, our ancestors will not see it and will not forgive us for it. Therefore, the protection and conservation of forests and wildlife should be everyone’s responsibility,” the Minister said while giving a clarion call to all to protect our great bio-diversity.
Guest of Honour, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Satyabrat Sahu expressed that the department is taking accelerated steps for the protection and conservation of wildlife and breeding of almost extinct species.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Devidutta Biswal said that conflict between human society and wildlife should be prevented as much as possible. He called upon everyone to be sensitive towards the protection and conservation of wildlife habitats.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Sushant Nanda in his welcome speech highlighted the objectives of the Wildlife Week.
He informed the audience about the programs taken by the state government for the protection of wild animals and the development of their habitats.
A short film containing major initiatives taken up by the department for wildlife conservation was displayed.
Minister Singkhuntia awarded the meritorious contestants in drawing, quiz and photography competitions.
Five books entitled as Wildlife Odisha, 2024, Debrigarh Wildlife Conservation and Ecotourism, An Updated Checklist and Bibliography of the Birds of Odisha, Similipal on the Air and Release of Flyer on BIHANG : An Action Plan for Bird Conservation in Odisha were launched by chief guest Singkhuntia.
Trailers of six films based on the wildlife of the state such as: – Titans of the Mangroves (Saltwater Crocodiles of Bhitarkanika), Mermaids of the Lagoon (Irrawaddy Dolphins of Chilika), Dance of the Ridleys (Olive Ridleys in the Odisha Coast), Land of the Black Tigers , Debrigarh – where gaurs rule and Behind the Scenes (Making of the Movie) were shown.
Wildlife filmmaker Druthiman Mukherjee, Prasenjit Yadav and Samarendra Das were felicitated by the chief guest.
Dr. Siddharth Pati and Sailendra Narayan Satpathy were awarded and conferred with the state level Biju Patnaik Wildlife Conservation Award. Both of them were presented with a cheque of Rs1 lakh by the chief guest.
The chief guest launched two new Apps namely, ‘PRAHAR’, the state wildlife crime database management portal and SARPA, Rescue and rehabilitation of snakes found in human settlements by certified snake rescuers. He also released Flyer on State Level Leopard Estimation -2024.
Earlier, a photo exhibition based on the wildlife of the state was inaugurated by Minister Singkhuntia.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Director of Nandankanan Dr Manoj V Nair gave a vote of thanks.
