Post News Network
Aska, April 26: Illegal blasting in Pakidi hills of Ganjam district, considered as a safe habitat for peacocks, has irked the locals and environmentalists.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of forest officials conducted a raid on the part of the hills under Shergarh section of Aska forest division and seized a huge amount of explosives and a tractor loaded with compressor machines. The explosives and the compressor machines were there to blast the stones to be used for crusher units set up in the surrounding areas of the hills.
The seized items were brought to the office of Aska forest division. However, the officials have not arrested anybody involved in the illegal act. Getting prior information about the police arrival, the accused managed to flee the scene, said IFS officer of Aska forest range Samrat Gouda.
He added that officials are keeping a close vigil on the forest range and stringent measures would be taken against any illegal activities that may pose danger to the wildlife. Gouda further pointed out that the forest officials will coordinate with the locals and work for the safety of peacocks and blackbucks.
It may be mentioned that Pakidi hills from Karanjei to Panchabani has been considered as a safe habitat for national bird peacock and that of the black bucks. Population of the national bird has been growing in the hills situated along the Aska-Berhampur road.
Pakidi is a distinctive example of participatory conservation, where the locals are playing a crucial role in providing a safe atmosphere for conservation of the bird species for the last 20 years and the forest department is providing necessary guidance and support. In 2005, the Ganjam Mayur Suraksha Samiti was formed with 14 members from seven villages and one or two forest officials in the leading position. The committee looks after all matters related to peacock protection and fulfillment of habitat needs. The locals even ensure that peacocks are safe even when they stray into human habitations – the villages and agricultural fields.