Bhubaneswar:The inaugural journey of Chandaka Nature Trail under Bhubaneswar Nature Walk commenced with an enthusiastic participation of 45 walkers here Sunday.
The nature trail inside Chandaka forest often referred to as ‘the green lungs’ of the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, is an initiative of Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) in collaboration with Eco Tour of Forest Department and Playbook Consultancy. The trail would be conducted every Sunday at 6:30 AM from Godibari Gate.
The trail is situated at the interiors of on the city outskirts. The site is at a distance of 20 kms from the capital city. According to sanctuary’s divisional forest officer (DFO) Kedar Kumar Swain, it boasts an impressive collection of 730 species of plants, 39 species of mammals, 252 species of birds, 9 species of amphibians, 39 species of reptiles, 19 species of fishes and 7 species of invertebrates among others.
BDA Secretary Manoj Kumar Mohanty emphasised that the tranquil atmosphere of the forest is a breath of fresh air in the bustling city life. Nature enthusiast Bhabani Shankar Chayani, Member Enforcement BDA, exhorted the participants to make the unique initiative successful in the long run. Senior officials of BDA Madhumita Rath and Mahendra Kumar Panda also participated in the event.
Swain stated that Chandaka was declared as an elephant sanctuary in the year 1982. Chandaka, a natural ‘carbon sink’, has a rich legacy attached to it. The ruins of Chudangagada and the remnants of Gualigada forts inside the sanctuary are testament to its eventful past, he added. Several other senior forest officials led the groups of walkers.
Pratham, the youngest participant of the inaugural trail, was accompanied by his parents Purnendu and Tandra. He completed the entire trail and found it to be an enticing experience. “I will surely encourage my friends to come here with their parents and participate in the nature trail,’’ he said.
“Participation of this little kid without any sign of tiredness shows that natural forests are a rich source of oxygen,’’ said Bhabani Shankar Chayani, Member Enforcement BDA.
Hitesh Seth, a business man from Cuttack, said, “I have come all the way from Cuttact to participate in the trail as it is like a breath of fresh air for me.” Abinash Patnaik, a travel enthusiast, said “Being a student of agricultural science, I am always inclined to participate in nature trails. However, I never expected that such a nature trail would come up in such a close proximity to the city. I would love to come here more and explore it.”
Before the commencement of the trail, all the participants were shown a nice documentary on Chandaka, its importance as a green corridor amidst concrete jungles and how to behave while inside the sanctuary.
Official sources also added that many such trails would come up at Chandaka and Nandankanan as part of the Bhubaneswar Nature Walk. People from all walks of life, i.e. nature lovers, students, housewives, government officials, academics, researchers, businessmen, consultants, professional photographers and forest officials participated in the inaugural trail in Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Official sources stated that many such trails would come up at Chandaka and Nandankanan as part of the Bhubaneswar Nature Walk. This would provide travel enthusiasts with lot of options to explore.
