Industrialisation and rapid urbanisation pose a major threat to elephants said regional chief conservator and field director of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Harish Kumar Bist while speaking at a function to celebrate World Elephant Day here.
Authority of Mayurbhanj district was celebrated World Elephant Day, he had expressed his displeasure on wild elephants’ habitation. Dwindling of elephant population, natural death and poaching are major challenge to save the wild elephant. Establishment industries, growing of urban development are major challenge to wild elephant, said regional chief conservator (RCCF) and field director of STR Harish Kumar Bist, while celebrating World Elephant Day here on Wednesday.
He said that that growth of industry and urbanization may be signifying the development of a locality, generate employment opportunities and develop infrastructure development like road communication, transportation and local livelihood, but it should not be at the cost of suitable habitation for the wildlife.
“Any kind of development for the people seems to be affecting adversely the wildlife habitate. This is a area of concern. Adopting of scientific method is the only way of solution can balance to both urbanization and wildlife habitation,” said Bist.
Deputy Director of STR Ajit Satpathy said people need to be conscious of environment and wildlife. Reducation of forest area forces elephants to get out and encroach upon human habitation leading to man-animal conflicts.
Baripada Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sanjay Kumar Swain also addressed the gathering.
Students from different schools delivered speeches on ecology, natural history, men-elephant conflict, threat of elephant, protection measures etc.
Assistance Conservator of Forest Arun Kumar Patra, Honorary Wildlife Warden Vanoo Mitra Acharay, environmentalists Sanjukta Basa, rangers, foresters, forest guards attended the function.
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