Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of World Forestry Day, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Satyabrata Sahu emphasized for protection and preservation of forest as well as wild animals staying inside the forests.
Addressing the State-level celebration of World Forestry Day-2024 here at Jayadev Bhawan, ACS Shri Sahu said protection and preservation of forest and wild animals are important for safety and security of nature and environment.
“Odisha is the wealthiest State when it comes to natural resources, so we feel blessed to take birth in this beautiful State. For the safety and security of nature and environment, protection and preservation of forest and wild animals are imperative. Future generations will not forgive us unless we preserve nature for them,” Shri Sahu said.
Development and nature are two sides of a coin. So, a balance has to be maintained between both of them. The officers and staff of the Forest Department have to play a crucial role here, said the ACS Shri Sahu.
The State has gained 893 Sq. KMs of forest and tree cover during the last two assessment years i.e. from 2019 to 2021 as per the Forest Survey of India Report 2021.
Forest growth has a direct impact on rain, surface drinking water and pollution. Considering its importance, we have to amplify the afforestation drive involving one and all, urged Sri Sahu.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Debidutta Biswal highlighted the objectives of observation of World Forestry Day and this year’s theme “Forest & Innovation”.
Department of Forest has taken a number of steps to make forest polythene free and it will intensify such a drive in times to come, added Biswal.
PCCF Wildlife Susanta Nanda spoke about the importance of wildlife for protection and preservation of the ecosystem, while PCCF (P&SM) Prafull Kumar Mallik said that forest is no longer a local resource, it is now a global resource. This is the most important part of nature.
State Forestry Award-2024 were awarded to 40 numbers of Forest field personnel of the rank of Forest Guard, Forester and Forest Ranger for their outstanding performance in service. A book titled “Highlights of Odisha Forestry Sector-2024” was released on the occasion.
Meanwhile, a photo exhibition depicting the wildlife of Odisha, Nandankanan, Eco-tourism, Medicinal plants and different programmes of the Department was inaugurated by the guests before the function. Mrutyunjaya Ratha anchored the programme.
