Bhubaneswar: The annual headcount of migratory birds in and around Chilika Lake for the fiscal year 2023-24 concluded today evening, revealing a remarkable influx of 11,37,759 avian guests representing 187 different species to Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, according to sources from the Forest Department. Conducted across five Forest ranges—Balugaon, Chilika, Tangi, Satapada, and Rambha—in…
Kendrapada: In preparation for the yearly census of saltwater crocodiles, Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapada district will enforce a nine-day restriction on tourist entry starting this Friday. A dedicated team of 22 enumerators, supported by trained local forest staff and herpetologists, including renowned crocodile researcher Sudhakar Kar, will cover the river system, creeks, water…
Bhubaneswar: Responding to the global challenges posed by the extensive use of single-use plastics and disposable items, the government of Odisha has launched a dedicated awareness initiative, the ‘Plastic Free Picnic’ campaign. The program aims to educate students, youth, and the general public about making major picnic spots across the state free from plastic waste….
Itanagar: After an absence of 42 years, the Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant wildlife event. Initially documented in 1981 based on a solitary individual found in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, the elusive mammal had eluded zoologists during subsequent expeditions, leading to speculation about its status. Teams…
Bhubaneswar: As the season for picnics approaches, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena urges the residents of the state to embrace eco-friendly practices by having a plastic-free picnic. To further this initiative, the State Pollution Control Board and the ‘Youth for Water’ social organization are jointly spearheading a comprehensive statewide awareness campaign titled ‘Plastic Free Picnic.’…
Bhubaneswar: With reports of dengue cases emerging in various areas of the city, in a proactive measure to curb the proliferation of malaria and dengue, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has released Western Gambusia fish into four significant drains across the capital city. The decision to introduce Gambusia fish into water bodies was carried out…
At just 13 years old, Harshita Priyadarshani Mohanty, a Class VII prodigy hailing from Jeypore in Koraput district, has embarked on a mission that goes beyond her age and sets an inspiring example for the world. With a strong determination to safeguard the rich diversity of finger millets and rice indigenous to her region, this…
Bhubaneswar: The Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department of Odisha have devised an extensive Tala Tree plantation initiative along the demarcated forest block perimeters during the upcoming planting seasons of 2024-25 and 2025-26. “Palm trees serve a dual purpose, acting not only as natural lightning arresters but also as protective barriers along the forest block…
Bhubaneswar: Unprecedented weather patterns have led to a remarkable and rare occurrence as two powerful cyclonic storms, named “Tej” and “Hamoon,” have emerged simultaneously over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, respectively. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has flagged this extraordinary phenomenon as a highly unusual and infrequent event, marking a significant point…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move, the Centre has disbursed funds for the preservation and management of Chilika Lake in Odisha. The allocated funds fall under the ambit of the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-Systems (NPCA). Approval for the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the conservation of Chilika Lake was granted by the Centre…
