Sambalpur: The Hirakud Wetland, a Ramsar Site since 2022, has transformed into a vibrant cradle of life this summer as thousands of migratory waders and shorebirds have descended upon its 26 emerging islands for nesting and rearing their young. From River Terns and Pratincoles to Gull-billed Terns, Little Terns, Whiskered Terns, Ringed Plovers, Oriental Pratincoles,…
Kendrapada: In a bid to protect marine biodiversity during the critical breeding season, the Odisha government will enforce a 60-day fishing ban along the state’s coastline starting Tuesday, April 15. The restriction, which lasts till June 15, aims to conserve marine life by preventing large-scale fishing activities during spawning. Under the ban, all mechanised fishing…
Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable example of community-led sustainable tourism, local residents managing ecotourism at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Hirakud Wetland in Odisha have generated a record revenue of ₹5.11 crore in the financial year 2024–25. Their success not only underscores the economic potential of eco-friendly travel but also highlights how responsible tourism can power conservation…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to protect the rich biodiversity and wildlife of Similipal Tiger Reserve, one of India’s most significant tiger habitats. A new 10-year Tiger Conservation Plan has been approved, spanning from 2023-24 to 2032-33, aiming to enhance wildlife protection and combat poaching. The initiative is backed by continuous financial support through…
New Delhi: The Government of India is integrating cutting-edge technologies with policy initiatives to enhance marine life conservation and sustainable fishing practices. The use of satellite imagery, remote sensing, and autonomous underwater vehicles like the C-bot is improving the monitoring of oceanic conditions, including sea surface temperature, salinity, water quality, and coral health. These advancements…
Bhubaneswar: To protect wildlife and combat poaching, a 2 km zone (1 km inside and 1 km outside) of the Debrigarh Sanctuary in Odisha has been officially declared a “Shock-Free Zone” and a “Zero Electrocution Zone”. This declaration comes after a collaborative effort between 68 surrounding villages and Debrigarh authorities, marking a significant step towards…
Bhubaneswar: With the onset of the forest fire season approaching, the Odisha government has intensified its fire prevention and mitigation efforts to safeguard the state’s rich forest cover. A comprehensive strategy has been put in place, combining advanced technology, district-level planning, trained fire response teams, and real-time monitoring systems to tackle potential fire outbreaks effectively….
Bhubaneswar: The Rushikulya river mouth beach in Ganjam district has witnessed a massive influx of rare Olive Ridley turtles for their annual mass nesting, with an astounding 11,000-plus turtles arriving on the first day alone. According to the Forest Department, the turtles have started laying eggs near the Batighar temple in Ganjam district. Each Olive…
Berhampur: In a significant achievement for wildlife conservation, the blackbuck population in Odisha’s Ganjam district has surged to 8,789, marking a steady increase over the years. The latest biannual census, conducted by the forest department on January 29, recorded a significant rise from 7,745 in 2023 and 4,082 in 2018, reflecting successful conservation efforts. According to…
Bhubaneswar: The eagerly awaited Hirakud Wetland Census 2025 commenced today, with a dedicated team of 70 birders spread across 32 teams conducting the enumeration. Covering the expansive 550 sq. km wetland, the census spans 21 sectors, from the Hirakud Lake to the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, aiming to document the region’s rich avian diversity. The previous census…
