The Athagarh Forest Division in association with the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) observed the World Wetlands Day on the bank of Anshupa, the State’s largest sweet water lake. Under the chairmanship of local Divisional Forest Officer Arun Kumar Mishra, a function was organised where PIO of Chilika Development Authority Chandan Kumar Sahoo, Soil Conservation Officer Himanshu Sekhar Pattnaik, Tigiria BDO Binod Bihari Jena and other dignitaries along with students of Malabiharpur High School, Saranda Bidyapitha and Ostia High School participated.
DFO Mishra revealed that due to better management of the wetlands here, 62,685 birds were seen this winter season in comparison to last year’s 22,533 under the Athagarh forest division. Due to reduction in poaching, awareness campaign through media, VSS and SHGs, involvement of environmentalists, cooperation from police, informers, local people, district administration, fisherman and involvement of members of Bhubaneswar based Birdwalk organization and Odisha Wild life lounge, the birds in large numbers have been attracted to the Athagarh wetlands.
He also pointed out that Anshupa is a wetland of national importance where we find sun set point at the Saranda hill. This apart, Anshupa has developed very good eco-garden, bamboo cottages, landscape garden, pindis for picnickers etc. where tourists in large numbers from within and outside the country found. He also described that migratory birds like Ruddy Shell Duck, Cotton Teal, Gadwall, Spot billed Duck, Northern Pintail, Red crested Pochard, Tufted and Small Pratin Cole were sighted along with the indigenous birds in the lake area.
An extempore quiz programme was organized among the school students. The winners were awarded cash prizes. Chandan Sahoo coordinated while the vote of thanks was conferred by Himanshu Pattnaik.