State level Wildlife Week 2022 celebrated

Bhubaneswar, State level Wildlife Week 2022 was celebrated at Jaydev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar on 7th
October 2022. Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri 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. Hon’ble 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 Sri 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.
Sri Sushil Kumar Popli, IFS, 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. Sri Bikiji Nag of Siskela,
Balangir and Sri 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 ,IFS, CCF(Wildlife)
offered vote of thanks.