Bhubaneswar: Odisha government Saturday launched the CM-GROW programme to promote research and strengthen the scientific foundation of wildlife conservation in the state.
The programme was launched by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia while attending the state-level Wildlife Week celebration as the chief guest.
Wildlife Week is observed across the country from October 2 to 8 every year with a focus on strengthening wildlife conservation, research, ecological awareness and responsible ecotourism in the state.
As part of the Chief Minister’s Grant for Research on Odisha’s Wildlife (CM-GROW) programme, Singkhuntia said another 300 AI-enabled and regular surveillance cameras would be installed in the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district to monitor poaching and study animal behaviour in the wild.
“At present, 300 cameras are fitted across Similipal, and another 300 will be installed soon,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the minister said Wildlife Week was not merely an occasion to express love for wildlife but also an opportunity to strengthen the bond between nature and human beings and renew the commitment towards wildlife conservation.
“Over the past two years, Odisha has achieved several notable milestones in the field of wildlife conservation. These achievements have been driven by a scientific approach, modern technology, strong administrative measures, and, above all, the dedicated contribution of forest personnel and local communities,” he said.
An achievement video highlighting the work of the wildlife wing and a visual presentation on wildlife awareness activities undertaken across the state during the week were screened at the function.
The programme also saw the release of coloured postcards and special covers, besides the online inauguration of several day-visit ecotourism destinations across the state.
These included Peacock Valley and Nageswar Dam in the Chandaka Wildlife Division, destinations in the Similipal North Wildlife Division, Karakhol in the Chilika Wildlife Division, Sambalpur Zoo and visitor amenities in the Hirakud Wildlife Division.
Foundation stones were also laid virtually for several upcoming ecotourism initiatives, including Rajhans in the Chilika Wildlife Division, Rani Duduma in the Koraput Forest Division, Badmul in the Mahanadi Wildlife Division, Pentha in the Rajnagar Wildlife Division and new facilities at Nandankanan Zoological Park.
A movie, ‘The Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats’, was also released during the programme, highlighting the biological diversity and ecological significance of the Eastern Ghats.
The celebration also included distribution of sanction orders and cheques to victims whose houses were completely damaged by wildlife, reaffirming the state’s commitment towards supporting people affected by human-wildlife interactions.