Odisha Govt Steps Up Measures To Save Deer Population In Puri & Ganjam

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Forest and Environment department has decided to take up a series of measures to safeguard the spotted deer population in Konark-Balukhand sanctuary of Puri district and endangered black bucks in the Bhetanoi-Balipadar areas of Ghumusar South division of Ganjam district.

Talking to mediapersons here on Thursday, chief wildlife warden Ajay Kumar Mohapatra said steps are being taken to put up shades at several places inside the Konark-Balukhand sanctuary (devastated by the cyclonic storm Fani), to save the spotted deer from the scorching heat. “Besides, the water bodies inside the sanctuary will be filled up with the help of tankers till the onset of monsoon,” he said.

To trace the whereabouts of the spotted deer, the forest department has started drone operations over the sanctuary area, he said.

Talking about black bucks residing in the Bhetanoi-Balipadar areas, under the jurisdiction of Aska Forest range in Ghumusar south division, and Aska and Buguda tehsils of Bhanjanagar revenue sub-division, he said keeping the rising population of these endangered herbivores in mind, the forest department has decided to purchase 50 acres of land for grass cultivation for their sustenance. In the first phase, plantation of grass will be taken up in one acre of land on a pilot basis,” he said.