Bhubaneswar: Odisha is a wealthiest State when it comes 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 generation will not forgive us unless we preserve nature for them, stated Additional Chief Secretary of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Satyabrata Sahu.
World Forestry Day-2024 was observed today at a State level function in Jayadev
Bhawan, Development and nature are two sides of a coin, a balance has to be maintained between both of them. The officers and staff of Forest Department has to play a crucial role here, said Chief Guest 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 direct impact on rain, surface drinking water and pollution. Considering its importance, we have to amplify the afforestation drive involving one and all, urged Sahu.
PCCF & HoFF, Odisha Debidutta Biswal highlighted about the objectives of observation of World Forestry Day and this year’s theme “Forest & Innovation”. Department has taken a number of steps to make forest polythene free and it will intensify such drive in times to come, added Biswal.
PCCF (WL) Susanta Nanda spoke about the importance of wildlife for protection and preservation of eco-system, while PCCF (P&SM) Prafull Kumar Mallik said that forest is no more 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