Orissa: Biosphere conservation proj mooted

Bhubaneswar, Aug 8: The conservation of Similipal Biosphere Reserve project, spread over an area of 5,569 sq km, will be taken up by the Orissa government at an estimated cost Rs 197.48 lakh soon.

A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathy here yesterday.

The conservation of tigers, botanical park, plantation of rare plants and medicinal plants, fencing of forests, conservation of Satkosia Reserve Forest and many more developmental works would be taken up under the scheme.

This apart, the development of livelihood of the people living close to the Similipal forest would also be included under the project. Under the scheme, sophisticated equipments would be deployed under the supervision of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to study the behaviour of different types of animals in the wild.

In addition to the existing 51 Green Brigade, 20 more Green Brigades would be established for the conservation of the biosphere reserve.

The local youths would be recruited as watchmen to the Green Brigade to guard the forest.

The meeting also decided to provide employment to the local youths though various schemes like water harvesting structures, diary farm and plantation of medicinal plants.

The Centre had already sanctioned Rs 71 lakh for the project during 2005-2006 and another Rs 54 lakh in 2006-2007, out of which the state government had received Rs 37.85 lakh in 2005-2006 and Rs 30 lakh in 2006-20007.

Official sources said so far 51 water harvesting structures had been constructed in the biosphere reserve area benefited more than 900 people.

UNI