In a bid to reduce animal deaths in the hands of humans and restore their lost habitats, Odisha government has engaged Wildlife Trust of India to prepare a comprehensive wildlife management plan for the state. The MoU beween state forest and environment department and WTI was signed and as per the agreement management plans will be prepared for protected areas as well as areas outside it.
At present, only protected areas including 19 wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks have management plans. These protected areas cover only 10.37 per cent of state’s forest area and 5.36 per cent of its total geographical area. Besides mapping the key biological resources and their connectivity across the landscape, the plan will also suggest measures to restore the degraded or lost habitats which are necessary for movement and sustenance of wildlife.
A major objective behind the pact will be to reduce animal mortality by identifying conflict zones. Factors responsible for wildlife deaths such as poaching, deliberate and accidental killings through electrocution and train hits will also be mapped by WTI.
WTI
- The Wildlife Trust of India, (WTI) is a nationalized conservation organisation in India, committed to effective action for the protection of India’s natural heritage.
- WTI’s principal objectives include managing or preventing wildlife crises and mitigating threats to individual wild animals, their populations and habitats through holistic strategies and practical interventions.
- WTI was formed in November 1998 in response to the rapidly deteriorating condition of wildlife in India.
- WTI is a registered charity in India (under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961).
About Odisha
- Capital : Bhubaneshwar
- Dances: Chhau, Chaiti Ghoda, etc.
- Famous Festival: Chariot Festival
- Official Language: Oriya
- Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik
- Governor: SC Jamir
