Bhubaneswar: The annual blackbuck census has begun today in Ghumusar South, Ghumusar North, and Berhampur Forest Ranges in Ganjam district.
According to reports, 18 teams, comprising forest officials and students, have been formed and trained for the exercise at a special camp organised inside Lalsingh nursery of North Ghumusar Wednesday.
The teams were briefed on the census procedure at a camp. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Himanshu Sekhar Mohanty emphasized ensuring a smooth census, while Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Bibek Das highlighted rules, including no selfies with the endangered species and maintaining report integrity.
The census will be conducted in two phases. Officials expect an increase in the blackbuck population from last year’s count of 404.
Other officials involved in the training included ACF Bimal Pradhan, rangers, and forest experts.
