April 22 is observed as the World Earth Day and the International Biodiversity Day. Similarly April 17 is observed as the World Heritage Day. The aims and objectives of these celebrations are sustainable maintenance of the earth.
The diversities of plants and animals are only possible if the mother soil is sustainably maintained. The soil profiles of various natures are seen in different soil conditions, which depend on crop compositions. In tropical, subtropical zones, variable soil profiles are seen. Right form micro organisms to mammals and reptiles, all depend on soil profile and vegetation supported by such soil profiles.
The biological or the ecological properties of a country are the living heritages. If we take the case of Odisha, there are several ecological systems depending on local factors and general climate of the land. Such ecological systems are proudly classified from management point of views. They are Badarama, Baisipali, Balukhand-Konark, Bhitarkanika, Chandaka-Damapada, Hadagarh, Debrigarh, Gahirmath, Karlapat, Khalasumi, Kotagarh, Kuldhia, Lakhari, Nalavan, Nandankanan, Satkoshia, Similipal and Sunabeda, etc. The total protected areas of sanctuaries and national parks come to 6,677.50 sqkm in Odisha. We can say these are the heritage
If we take the cases of Bhitarkanika, Nalavan of Chilika and Gahirmatha, these are all estuarine ecological systems, which are rookeries not only of Olive Ridley sea turtles, but also of several birds, reptiles and mammals. These estuaries should be managed to the best manner possible.
There are other estuaries along the seacoast of Bay of Bengal, stretching over nearly 500 km in the State. All these areas are to be protected and managed scientifically to boost tourism. The environmental pollution along the sea-coast and within the estuaries is the major causes of depletion of heritage sites. Take the case of Puri, Konark, Astaranga and Rushikulya estuaries. the local people, especially the youngsters of the localities, are joining hands for protection of rookeries with the forest officials of the localities. This is a good sign of involvement of local youths for scientific management of rookeries.
The local fishing, specially the mechanized and nylon net fishing in the sea during breeding period of Olive Ridley turtles, causes a lot of damages to the animals. Such practices should be stopped by the State Government and fishermen should be given compensation during the ban period.
The whole sea coast of Bay of Bengal should be pollution free and the guide lines of Coastal Regulation Zone should be strictly followed to maintain the sanctity of the seacoast. If we take the case of Puri-Konark coast, there is no control of the administration to keep the coast pollution free and restrict unauthorised constructions.
The main threat to environment is the wide uses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the agricultural fields, which ultimately come to ecological systems in various ways and in various forms and pollute the ecosystem of land animals, birds, aquatic birds, reptiles and avi faunas suffering much for their sustainable livings. The fish population in the rivers and lakes including other wetlands is not safe. Air, water and land are now very much vulnerable to pollutions due to industrialization and faulty agricultural practices. The human population is ever rising and space for human beings is getting short. The greed of man spoils the law of nature and the biological process. Now the fire season has started and all the protected areas and forest areas are vulnerable to fire damages. So, the intensive management of our forest wealth including protection of all kinds of protected areas is needed. The breeding period of many animals and birdsstarts during summer and the wildfire not just destroys the forests but also the animals and birds.
As we know, the Satkoshia wildlife sanctuary-cum-proposed tiger reserve is a capital of several mammals and carnivores including reptiles. The river Mahanadi is the guiding factors of the ecosystems. Recently, a wild tusker of the tiger reserve of Satkoshia came to Talcher town and as information goes it trampled and killed three persons out of anger. The writer served many years in these tracts in the State. This is the first time wild elephants appeared in the urban patches of coal town of Talcher.
This is the time, when the forest fire occurs frequently. The wild animals stray from forest areas and invade in to human habitations where man-animal conflict starts. Man is prime cause of such conflicts. Without protection of ecological systems, the protection of mother earth is not possible.
(The writer is a former forest officer and an environmentalist,Mob: 993746064)