Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, June 5: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Sunday the government will take all possible pro-active initiatives to check illegal trade in wildlife and protect the flora and fauna of the state.
‘‘Let us take a vow to protect and preserve wildlife. Let us show zero-tolerance to illegal trade in wildlife and make a difference,’’ Patnaik said at a programme organised here to mark the World Environment Day.
The state government has been taking all steps to protect and preserve wildlife through a Wildlife Crime Control Cell which is functioning in Bhubaneswar, he said adding due to joint efforts of Wildlife Wing and CID, Crime Branch, illegal trade has been checked to a great extent.
Public awareness campaigns involving the local communities and voluntary organisations are being organised towards this end, he said.
Noting disappearance of iconic species such as elephants, tigers and sea turtles would be a disaster for conservation efforts, Patnaik said, ‘‘Even loss of any local species, at a local level, is an erosion of the biodiversity that underpins the natural systems upon which we all depend for our food security, medicines, fresh air, water, shelter and a clean and healthy environment.’’
The theme of this year ‘‘Illegal Trade in Wildlife’’ was chosen in order to generate awareness against the mindless killing of wildlife and illegal trade of their body parts.
‘‘The world is dealing with an unprecedented spike in illegal trade, threatening to overturn decades of conservation gains. We share the Earth with millions of different species of plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms,’’ said Patnaik.
Every part of the planet is connected directly or indirectly with our life. When species are lost, ecosystems cannot function properly and the lives of all associated partners, including human being, would be disturbed, he said.
The chief minister also congratulated 217 ‘‘Prakruti Mitra’’ and 205 ‘‘Prakruti Bandhu’’ awardees who are doing outstanding work in the field of environment protection and conservation.
