Orissa seeks peoples support in wildlife protection

Seeking public support in its bid to protect wildlife in Orissa, the state government today said it had been able to raise Rs1,300crore for protection of forest and wildlife in the state.

"The fund raised for protection of forests and wildlife has been kept in CAMPA account", chief minister Naveen Patnaik said while addressing a function held on the occasion of 55th Wildlife Week celebration here.

Patnaik, however, expressed concern over the Centre's reluctance in releasing funds from CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) account.

While handing over Biju Patnaik Award for Wildlife Conservation for the year 2008-09 to UN Dev and SN Patro, the chief minister said people's participation in protection of wildlife was essential.

Stating that the state have more than 3,000 species of wildlife, Patnaik appreciated the efforts of protection of Black Buck, peacock and other birds by the people.

On man-elephant conflict, particularly involving elephants, he said the state government was drawing an elephant management plan.

"The plan would be completed in three months", Patnaik informed adding that special elephant corridors could help in restoring peaceful co-existence of elephants and human beings.