20/02/2015
KEONJHAR REGIONAL CHAPTER OF WILD ORISSA INAUGURATED
The Keonjhar Regional Chapter of Wild Orissa was inaugurated today in Harichandanpur by eminent wildlife conservationist and 2011 Earth Hero Awardee Shri Nanda Kishore Bhujabal. Ms. Suchitra Sahoo from Wild Orissa and many wildlife lovers were present during the event. Wild Orissa states that this new outfit of the organization will focus on wildlife conservation initiatives in the Keonjhar district. Keonjhar district is rich in biodiversity with approximately 3400 sq kms of area under forests including Reserved Forests. These forests are home to elephants and tigers apart from a variety of birds and reptiles. Tree species which are commonly noticed in the area are Shorea robusta, Pterocarpus marsupium, Gmelina arborea, Mitragyna parviflova, Tectona grandis, Dalbergia sisoo, Anogeissus latifolia, Syzygium cumini, Diospyros melanoxylon,Mangifera indica, Bridelia retusa, Terminalia tomentosa, Buchanania lanzan, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Madhuca indica, Schleichiera oleosa and other misc. species etc. Sal (Shorea robusta) is the predominant species.
The region has significant biodiversity values and habitats for two of the critically endangered species viz. tiger and elephant. The forests of Keonjhar constitute an important corridor for elephants duly identified under Project Elephant connecting Hadgarh and Similipal on one side and the Keonjhar forests to the south. Because of extensive mining in the region, elephants and tigers may not be using the corridors regularly, but with restorative management initiatives these corridors could be revived thereby contributing positively to wildlife conservation in the country.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NCTA) has proposed that jurisdiction of the Similipal landscape should be expanded to include parts of Keonjhar so as to improve the wildlife corridor connecting State’s two tiger reserves – Similipal and Satkosia. If this is done then it will enhance the tiger population and their genetic health.
The Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh forest belt which consists parts of Keonjhar district harbours around 500 elephants. Further the South-Keonjhar plateau and adjacent forest areas consisting of Deogaon, Ghatgaon and Telkoi and nearby forests of Kamakhsyanagar spreading around 2000 sq kms are another critical elephant habitat. Unfortunately considerable deterioration of these forests have been witnessed due to construction of Rengali Irrigation and many other medium sized irrigation projects, and coupled with illegal encroachments has severely fragmented the once healthy wildlife movement corridor.
Keonjhar is rich in birdlife and Wild Orissa has initiated some bird conservation programs in these parts, including the My School My Bird- wild birds conservation program.
Shri Amar Kuanr has been appointed as the Governor of Keonjhar Regional Chapter. The main actions to be initiated by the Regional Chapter will be:-
1. Undertake surveys and documentation for presence of endangered and threatened wildlife
2. Undertake wildlife conservation programs in association with local communities, traditional dwellers, schools, etc.
3. Engage with government departments in an effort to mainstream wildlife issues in developmental programs