WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
post news network
Bhubaneswar, June 5: The state celebrated World Environment Day, Sunday, in numerous ways. The theme for the celebration this year was ‘Fight Against Illegal trade in Wildlife for Life’.
The Forest and Environment Department organised an event at Rabindra Mandap to celebrate World Environment Day. As many as 217 environment lovers were felicitated for their contributions to the protection of the environment.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was the chief guest at the function. “The world is dealing with an unprecedented spike in illegal trade threatening to overturn gains from decades of conservation work. Every part of our planet is connected directly or indirectly with our life. When species are lost, the ecosystem cannot function properly and the lives of all associated will be disturbed,” he said.
The CM also focused on the government’s intentions to keep trade in wildlife parts in check. “We are taking all possible measures to protect and preserve wildlife through a Wildlife Crime Control Cell. Our objective is to take proactive measures to prevent illegal trade and commerce in wild flora and fauna. Due to the joint efforts of wildlife wing of the CID and crime branch, illegal trade has been checked to a great extent.”
Patnaik also exhorted people to work for the protection of nature. “Let us show zero tolerance to the illegal trade in wildlife and make a difference.”
Forest and Environment minister Bikram Keshari Arukha, in turn, highlighting the initiatives the department has taken towards conservation of the environment. “The department has taken various steps to protect the environment. Our coastal belt conservation measures have been very effective. A climate change action plan has also been made and was successful. We need to work for the protection of wildlife,” Arukha said.
According to Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, the secretary of forest and environment department, the department had started 10,000 eco clubs in schools across the state. These clubs generate awareness about conservation of nature among villagers. “We have also created 12,000 Forest Conservation Committees for the protection of forests. We have also started plantation drives in several areas and have created facilities to water these properly,” Mohapatra said and added that public awareness campaigns involving the local communities and voluntary organisations were also being organised “for the protection and conservation of wildlife and to control illegal trade in wildlife”.
Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologists (SGAT) and Orissa Environmental Society (OES) jointly organised a seminar on the occasion. The seminar titled ‘Zero tolerance for the Illegal Wildlife trade’ focused on reducing the demand for wildlife products as a practical solution to eradicate trade in parts of wild animals.
BK Patnaik, former principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) said the state must speed up investigations on poaching of protected species.
“During my tenure, the forest department registered 29 cases against poachers in 2008-09. Unfortunately these cases are pending before courts and the delay in legal procedures has helped poachers go scot-free. There is an urgent need to speed up investigation and legal formalities to punish offenders,” Patnaik said.
Wildlife experts at the seminar also raised concerns regarding the growing demand for wildlife products in South Asian countries such as China.
“Wild animals such as tigers and pangolins are used in the preparation of traditional medicines in China. There is a huge demand for these traditional medicines and animal products in the international market,” JK Panigrahi, a leading wildlife expert, said.
Experts also pointed out that the national capital was turning out to be a hub of illegal wildlife trade in the country.
“Delhi is a hub of illegal wildlife trade and the state was a hotspot for elephant poachers. However, the arrest of some poachers in 2014 has significantly reduced poaching in the state. The recent incidents of poaching in the state raise concerns,” Patnaik added.
Experts at the seminar also highlighted the lack of awareness about issues plaguing wildlife as the primary reason for the ongoing illegal trade.
“There is a need to create greater awareness about wildlife protection to save precious wildlife,” Panigrahi added.
The non-profit Prerana, too, organised a programme in association with State Pollution Control Board to raise awareness about ecological degradation and to “attract political attention and action” on environment protection. Dignitaries felicitated A Brahmananda Achari, a campaigner for environment protection, for his works at the event held in Soochana Bhawan.
Environment lovers from various fields were also felicitated at the function.
Dillip Srichandan, president of Prerana spoke of the importance of environment protection. “The rapid increase in global temperatures has led to drastic climatic change. If every individual plants one tree each, we can together stop any natural calamity,” Srichandan said.
An event hosted by the Regional Museum of Natural History was on similar lines but doubled as a valedictory function for participants of a Summer Camp there. The organisers said the programme was aimed at creating an understanding of natural resources of Orissa and the impact of urbanization, exploitation of natural resources and pollution.
Dignitaries at the event gave away prizes to winners of the Earth Day competitions held April 22. Students of high school and secondary school who participated in essay writing, poster making and debate competitions from various public schools of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack were also felicitated at the event.
