Bhubaneswar: At least ten blackbucks were rescued from flood-affected Balia village in Odisha’s Ganjam district during cyclone Arnab and later released into a suitable forest habitat following veterinary care.
Officials said the blackbucks were rescued by forest department personnel from Balia village under Khalikote Range as part of the Brahmapur Forest Division’s emergency response measures to protect wildlife during the cyclone and subsequent flooding.
After receiving necessary veterinary care and fitness certification, all ten animals were safely released into a suitable forest habitat near Bania village under Chikiti Beat of Khalikote section.
Ahead of the cyclone, the Brahmpur Forest Division had put comprehensive preparedness measures in place, focusing on public safety, wildlife protection and coordinated emergency response.
A dedicated control room was established to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency operations round the clock. Similar control rooms were also made operational at the range level to strengthen local monitoring and ensure timely intervention.
Emergency response teams comprising Range Officers and field staff were constituted across all four ranges, with coordination and support from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) and other concerned agencies.
The teams were engaged in monitoring the wildlife situation, clearing roads, removing fallen trees and restoring accessibility in cyclone-affected areas. They were also tasked with carrying out wildlife rescue and rehabilitation wherever necessary.
The successful rescue and rehabilitation of the 10 blackbucks highlighted the importance of advance preparedness, timely intervention and coordination among different agencies during natural disasters, officials said.
The division reiterated its commitment to wildlife conservation and disaster preparedness and urged members of the public to report fallen trees, road access disruptions and wildlife in distress to its 24-hour control room.
People have also been advised to maintain a safe distance from affected areas and distressed animals and allow trained personnel to undertake rescue operations.
The public can contact the forest division’s 24-hour control room at 0680-2281354 for assistance.
