Noted wildlife experts and environmentalists have suggested to the Government and all others concerned to make all efforts to protect the Bhitarkanika mangrove forest in Kendrapada district.
The mangrove forest on the sea coast is home to various kinds of saline trees, mammals and lizards. It attracts migratory birds from different parts of the country and abroad. In view of this, the forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and a national park in 1998. This saline forest was also declared as a Ramsar wetland in 2002. Gahirmatha sanctuary is located to its east, which is the breeding place for Olive Ridley sea turtles. Due to human interference, the area is now being condensed and animals are in danger. Thus, it is now a challenge to protect the mangrove forest.
The experts viewed this while attending a seminar organised by the Odisha Environment Society (OES) here on Sunday.
Former Fakir Mohan University Vice-Chancellor Shiba Prasad Adhikari presided over the meeting. Noted wildlife scientist Dr Sudhakar Kar delivered on various aspects of the mangrove forest.
Out the outset, OES vice-president Dr Lala AK Singh delivered the welcome address. Secretary Dr Jayakrushna Panigrahi said efforts should be made at Government and private levels to conduct more researches to stop the Bhitarkanika ecology from being decayed.
Noted geologist late Prof Naba Kishore Mahalik was remembered on the occasion. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof B Sitaram Patra.