Kendujhar: Shri Dhanraj H Dhamdhere, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Kendujhar, demonstrated a comprehensive, proactive, and problem-solving approach during his continuous field visits, addressing wildlife management, human-wildlife conflict response, ecotourism infrastructure, forestry operations, and institutional welfare.
Wildlife Conflict Response and Victim Care Responding swiftly to human-wildlife conflict, the DFO personally visited the District Headquarters Hospital (DDH) in Kendujhar to check on Dibya Jyoti Nayak, a 17-year-old youth injured in a negative elephant interaction at Khadiadiha Raghunathpur.
Ensuring immediate advanced care, he facilitated the youth’s transfer to SCB Medical College, Cuttack, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Concurrently, he addressed long-term preventive infrastructure by reviewing the progress of the upcoming Elephant rescue centre cum veterinary unit at the Padampur Meganursery and monitoring the health and rehabilitation of Saraswati, a female baby elephant housed at the Baby care unit.
Ecotourism and Natural Resource Management The DFO evaluated local ecological assets and developmental projects by inspecting the Sanaghaghra ecotourism facility to assess its visitor management and maintenance standards. He also inspected the Soil Moisture Conservation (SMC) works along the Machakandana river to bolster watershed management and reviewed the pure Sal plantation initiative at Padampur to ensure the health and growth of native forest cover.
Institutional Infrastructure Development To strengthen departmental capacity and staff welfare, the DFO reviewed ongoing infrastructure development and maintenance activities at the Nature Field Training School (NFTS) in Champua. He meticulously evaluated designated sites for upcoming critical capital works, specifically the construction of a 100-bedded trainees hostel and dedicated staff quarters, ensuring timely execution and improved institutional facilities.