Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday announced to make provision of compensation for villages that volunteer for relocation in the interest of wildlife protection.
The CM was addressing a function marking the 62nd State level Wildlife Week here.
According to the Government’s proposal, the compensation would be made available to villages located in all the 19 sanctuaries and buffer zones of Tiger Reserve. Patnaik said the rate of compensation would be at par with the Central scheme which is only for the core area of tiger reserves. The funds requirement would be met from the State’s own funds, he said.
Noting that the recent census figures have shown a rising trend of various wildlife in the State, the CM said, “Our sustained efforts have yielded satisfactory results for saltwater crocodiles, blackbucks, elephants, migratory birds and dolphins. The number of Olive Ridley turtles visiting the Odisha coast for nesting has also steadily grown.”
Patnaik said local residents and villagers in the vicinity of protected areas have a special role and must be encouraged to participate in the process of conservation of wildlife and protection of their habitats.
local people must be provided with necessary infrastructure like good roads, drinking water and sanitation, health education, vocational training, homestead land and pucca house, he said.
The CM conferred the Biju Patnaik Award for Wildlife Conservation for 2015-16 on Dr Gourang Charan Rout for his outstanding contribution.