By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:Protecting the forests, wildlife and environment of Sambalpur by maintaining the balance between nature and humans is our collective responsibility, said MP Shri Dharmendra Pradhan while participating in the 72nd District-level Wildlife Week celebration at the Sambalpur Zoo complex on Saturday.
Shri Pradhan called for a united effort to increase forest cover, wildlife protection, forest-based economy and cleanliness in Sambalpur. He said that the organization of the district-level Wildlife Week is commendable in order to attract and increase awareness among the new generation and youth towards wildlife and environmental protection. He further said that about 46 percent of the land area of Sambalpur district is covered by forests. Sambalpur has a unique identity by combining the city zoo, the Budharaja Temple Reserve Forest and the forest near the Circuit House, along with the Hirakud reservoir, Debrigarh, Ushakothi, Khalakandi, Bhimmandal and Bamra forests. All necessary steps are being taken in collaboration with the district and police administration to convert the zoo in Sambalpur into a ‘medium size zoo’ or medium-sized zoo as per the plans of the Government of India and the Forest Department. This is not just a place to see animals, but also a laboratory to study and experience.
Forest-based economy like kendu leaves, shalamanji, mehul and other forest products will be further streamlined in the coming days with the active support of the Government of India’s ‘Van Dhan Yojana’ and the Odisha Government. Special capital relief is being provided to kendu leaf collectors. Along with development and economic growth with confidence, protection of environment and wildlife is always inevitable. In view of some recent incidents, it is necessary to maintain a balance between humans and wildlife. Instead of plastic and disposable cups, the environment should be free from pollution by using earthenware or bamboo utensils.
On the occasion of Swachhta Diwas observed in the district on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, all the citizens of Sambalpur are requested to devote at least two hours a day to join the campaign to keep the environment of their area clean and tidy. He said that joint efforts of all are necessary to make Sambalpur a model district, taking into account forests, wildlife, humans and development, all.
On this occasion, MP Shri Pradhan awarded the Chief Minister’s Wildlife Conservation Award to the meritorious students and winners of quiz and drawing competitions organized at the university, college and school levels of Sambalpur and the best forest conservation committee and eco-development committee.
