Bhubaneswar: The State level Wildlife Week 2022 was celebrated at Jaydev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar here on Friday.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emphasized that human civilization and wildlife are very closely associated, loss of keystone species due to human- induced biotic interference will have adverse impact on the Ecosystem.
The CM appealed the people of the state to come forward and join hands for conservation of wildlife and restoration of their habitats for well-being of our future generations.
Minister Forest, Environment and Climate Change Pradip Kumar Amat appreciated 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 to 47 destinations spread over 18 districts of the state. As per the Forest Survey of India 2021, the total area of mangrove forest has increased by 8.34 Sq Km in last two years, which is highest in the country, he informed.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mona Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department praised the people of Odisha for their support in conservation of wildlife in the state. She emphasized to involve local community in all the activities for protection and conservation of wildlife.
Sushil Kumar Popli, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden in his welcome address briefed 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 Quiz, Photography, Sit and Draw Competitions were awarded. Bikiji Nag of Siskela, Balangir and Rabindranath Sahu of Purunabandh, Ganjam were honoured with “State Level Biju Patnaik Wildlife Conservation Award” for this year for their exemplary contribution on 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, CCF (Wildlife) offered vote of thanks at the meeting.
