___________

Following is an excerpt from a report in the Hindu:

Five wildlife sanctuaries in the country will soon be getting tiger reserve status for better management of the conservation plans for the big cat in its core habitat.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority in a meeting held recently has given an "in-principle" approval to four new reserves, a senior official said on Friday.

These are Sunabeda Tiger Reserve in Orissa, Shahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh and Ratapani Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

… At present, there are 28 tiger reserves in the country.

Following is an excerpt from a news report in howrah.org.

Union tourism minister Ambika Soni has identified 20 top tourist destinations in the country, with an eye on wooing the potential foreign and domestic tourists. Under this new initiative, financial assistance up to Rs 25 crores would be provided for development of a mega destination and Rs 50 crore for a mega circuit. Apart from this financial assistance, ministry of tourism is also working with other Central ministries and concerned state governments to achieve convergence and synergy with other government programmes, so that the impact of investment on these destinations is maximised. Ms Ambika Soni’s policy initiative is aimed at developing tourist destinations/circuits of national importance in a holistic and integrated manner. The objective is to ensure that the infrastructure of these mega destinations/circuits is developed to the extent that it can cater to the future tourist inflows so that visitors get a satisfying and memorable experience.

… So far 20 such destinations/circuits have been identified in consultation with the state governments on the basis of data indicating potential arrivals.

These include: Taj in Agra (UP), Varanasi-Sarnath (UP), Bodh Gaya-Rajgir-Nalanda (Bihar), illumination of monuments in Delhi, Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Puri-Bhubaneshwar-Konarak-Chilka Lake (Orissa), Haridwar-Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) etc.

For identified destinations/circuits covered by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, convergence of resources is being ensured so that the tourism related infrastructure and urban civic infrastructure complement each other.

Following is an excerpt from a report in Travel Biz Monitor.

“We have adopted this system from places like London and Berlin. Instead of a conducted tour within and outside the city, we will introduce tailor-made sight-seeing options.” The state plans to operate five coaches at a time, covering a minimum of 12-13 destinations. There will be a minimum of 10-15 minutes between each coach’s departure, in order to provide the traveller with ultimate flexibility. One day’s ticket will be issued for travellers who want to enjoy the destinations of their preference.

Conducted city tours were an important revenue-generator for Orissa Tourism. However, they have been converted into the coach service to cater to a growing demand for tailor-made packages, around the globe. “As we have started catering to a large number of international tourists, we had to resort to made-to-order services,” adds Rath.

With an aim to garner additional global business, Orissa Tourism also plans to appoint STPOs across the world, to promote Orissa as an international tourist destination. Rath claims that Orissa Tourism already employs a large number of travel agents and tour operators to sell Orissa packages. However, it is now looking to appoint non-resident Oriyas to promote the state’s tourism.

The STPO scheme will be launched on an experimental basis to garner additional employment opportunities. “We believe that the Oriya community spread all over the world will be instrumental in adding that personal touch to our state’s tourism. Although, the STPOs will not be on a payroll basis, commission against the volume of business generated will be attractive,” says Rath.

Following is an excerpt from a report in Pioneer.

Air Deccan is going to offer special packages to the tourists to visit Bhitarkanika mangrove forest, the second largest mangrove forest of India. Apart from that they would get a chance to pay a visit to the beaches of Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, the world’s largest rookery of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, the doorless village of Sialia under Rajkania, the magnificent Royal palace of Rajkanika, Hukitola island and nearby tourists spots, said managing director of Deccan Aviation Captain Gopinath on Saturday at Rajkanika.

Gopinath along with a senior official of Deccan Aviation PB Devaya, visited Bhitarkanika on a helicopter on Saturday. The helicopter landed on the ground of royal palace of Rajkanika. The scion of royal family of Rajkanika Shivendu Narayan Bhanjadeo accompanied the officials, who visited the water bodies and dense mangrove forests on a boat. Bhanjadeo said, "As the park is situated about 110 km from Bhubaneswar and the connecting road conditions from the capital city to Bhitarkanika are not so good for which tourists are not taking interest to visit the park."

"As no air communication facilities was available from Bhubaneswar to Bhitarkanika, a couple months ago, I urged the officials of Deccan Aviation to take initiatives to run flights to the national park to boost tourist inflow. After getting invitation, two senior officials visited Bhitarkanika to conduct a survey. Presently, the ground of the palace at Rajkanika will be used as a temporary airfield or helipad for the landing of helicopters and small planes", said Bhanjadeo.

Recently, the State Government formed a Bhitarkanika Eco-Tourism Society (BETS) to attract more tourists to Bhitarkanika, said Bhanjadeo, who is also a member of the society.

The forest officials have recently constructed a tower in Bhitarkanika for the tourists to watch the birds, spotted deer, wild boars, water monitors, crocodiles, snakes and other animals from the top.

Do it Online!

Following is from  http://nandankanan.org/adopt-an-animal.asp.

Ever feel like bringing home an animal or bird you are charmed by when you visit the Nandankanan Zoo? Now, you can bring one home in your heart when you contribute to the ‘Adopt an Animal’ programme. Your adopted animal or Bird will remain at the Nandankanan Zoo in the care of Zoo professionals and as a Zoo Parent; you will have the pride of knowing your gift helps to extend better care and welfare to the animal. You will be pleased to know these wonderful animals will be here to stay for many years to come.

Adopt-An-Animal is a great way to add a fascinating animal or bird species to your family! Your new "wild child" won’t really be coming to live with you, though. Instead, you will become a foster parent of sorts. When you adopt an animal, or bird your contribution goes to the animals at the Nandankanan Zoological Park for care, feeding and enclosure enrichment and renovation.

The Adopt a Species program is launched to support the Zoo’s world-class care and services for all inhabitants by providing quality food to meet their nutritional requirements, medical care, equipment, up gradation of the enclosure and enrichments. The Adopt-An-Animal program would benefits the animals directly with all proceeds going toward the care and feeding of the animals at the Nandankanan Zoo!

All the captive animals and Birds at the Nandankanan Zoo would be available for adoption. The Adopt-An-Animal Program would be an annual support program and all adoptions would be for a period of one year or multiple of one month. The animal adopted would remain at the Nandankanan Zoo, receiving proper care and housing.

Be a part of our mission: You may adopt our charming animals and bird species starting at Rupees 500 and up. For your generosity, you’ll receive a "Thank You" in the form of a printable Adoption Certificate, plus exclusive incentives depending on your giving level .

Habitat loss, human encroachment and poaching are just some of the challenges facing endangered animals today. Your support would go a long way for wildlife conservation efforts and would help us provide exemplary care to many endangered species. You can make a difference and your gesture would help to save a species from the brink of extinction. As an Adoptive Parent your contribution would help us to ensure a brighter future for these species.

This would help not only in raising funds, but would also ensure participation of the individuals, corporate bodies and others in the management of the Zoo. Opening the adoption scheme to the public, corporate bodies and institutions would bring them closer to the zoo and heighten their love and passion for the captive animals and birds. By doing this, there will be some involvement of the communities and people towards the zoo. Therefore the Zoo would like to invite philanthropists, institutions and industrial houses and individuals to lend a helping hand by donating liberally to the zoo.

It is proposed to make available all the captive animals and Birds at the Nandankanan Zoo would for adoption. The adopter (Zoo Parent) would pay the amount fixed for each species he would like to adopt. The proceeds would be utilized to support the care and services for all the zoo inmates by providing food, health care, equipment, up gradation of the enclosures and enrichments. The Adopt-An-Animal Program would be an annual support program and all adoptions would be for a period of one year or multiple of one month. No adopters would be allowed to take the animals home. All the adopted animals would remain in the care and custody of the Zoo, and no ownership rights would be conferred. In case of the adopted animal is removed from the collection of the Zoo under exchange programme, the sponsorship will be applied to another animal for the rest of the year of the same species and the adopter would be duely informed. Some popular animals may be allowed concurrent adoptions.

It is proposed to open the animal adoption scheme to the;

• Corporate bodies
• Business houses
• Institutions
• Individuals(Indians,NRIs and Foreigners)
• Families
• School ,Colleges and Universities
• Clubs
• Animal lovers
• NGOs

Animal adopters would receive

• A customised adoption certificate.
• One free entry ticket (to admit maximum 5) for each animal adopted.
• The adopters name would be displayed at the special board at the entry gate.
• Special mention in the Annual Report of the Zoo.

How can you adopt

Please download the adoption form, choose the animal of your choice and fill it up and mail it along with the A/C Payee, Cheque /Demand draft drawn in favour of Director Nandankanan payable at Bhubaneswar in the following address.

Registration Form (257 KB)

Online Registration

Director, Nandankanan Zoological Park
Mayur Bhawan, Saheed Nagar
Bhubaneswar-7, Orissa
Tel : 0674-2547850(0)
Fax: 0674-2547840

You will receive the adoption certificate and the acknowledgment.

Following is an excerpt from a report in New Indian Express.

Satkosia gorge sanctuary located in the heart of the State is unique in more than one way. River Mahanadi has cut right across the Eastern ghats endowing the gorge with all its beauty.

The 22 km long gorge divides the area into two distinct parts accessible from Angul and Nayagarh or Boudh. It covers four districts of Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh and is the second largest sanctuary of Orissa.

The areas support moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous forests and moist peninsular sal forests and a largely bamboo species.

Wild animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, elephant, four horned antelope, giant squirrel, wild dogs, nilgai, sloth bear, mouse deer, spotted deer etc are the pride of the sanctury.

A huge variety of resident and migratory birds and reptile species (gharial, mugger, crocodile, fresh water turtle, poisonous and non poisonous snakes etc) are also a part of the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is home to 400 plant species, 38 mammals, 31 reptiles in the sanctuary. Satkosia gorge was declared a sanctuary in 1976 AD by the State Government under Section 18 of Wildlife (protection) Act 1972. Its area is 795.52 sq km.

The sanctuary is managed by two wildlife divisions, south part by Mahanadi Wildlife Division at Nayagarh and north by Satkosia Wildlife Division at Angul. Both Satkosia Gorge and Baisipalli sanctuary area of 1038 sq.km were declared elephant reserves in 2002 by the State Government. Satkosia also enjoys the status of a Tiger Reserve after being the title in December 2007 after an approval of the Central Tiger Conservation Authority as per Wildlife Protection Act (amendment 2006).

Now, request would also be put forth to declare it a bio-sphere reserve for its biodiversity and abundant natural resources. Former Central Environment amd Forest Minister Kamalnath initiated to declare as Bio-sphere reserve.

About 133 villages in the sanctuary, including three forest villages and 10 hamlets. In The buffer zone as many as 128 villages are located.

The village people mostly depended on forest for their livelihood but the ban enforced by the Government on forest work and collection of NTFP and forest produces as per direction of Supreme Court and Wildlife Protection Act.

No developmental work is being done inside the sanctuary for a long time. The recent declaration of Satkosia as the second tiger reserve was long over due. It would not only go a long way in protecting the tiger population but also take care of other rare animals on the verge of extinction.

State government should spare no time in implementation of the reserve process by making an action plan and constituting an authority as required. Now in the Tiger Reserve 18 Royal Bengal Tiger, 34 Leopard and 194 elephants.

Following is an excerpt from a report in New Indian Express.

In all, there are 14 aquariums spread over 0.8 acre. Among them four house marine species and the rest freshwater species equipped with titanium chiller.

All the aquariums are equipped with `insitu’ filtration and recycling mechanism. In fact, two large size aquariums measure 3.5 meters in length and 0.9 meter in width. Attractions include well-researched education materials on aquaria, said zoo director Ajit Patnaik, adding, the materials are displayed on trans-slides boards.

One of the key objectives of the endeavour is to educate visitors about the rising pollution and the resultant impact on the aquatic life. About Rs 10 lakh alone has been invested on education materials.

There is also a special section which depicts the uniqueness of the marine ecosystem of the State. One of the freshwater aquariums represents fish fauna of the adjoining Kanjia lake.

The `moated’ enclosure has been developed over an area of five acres to provide a near-natural ambience to the elephants. The enclosure encompasses components like natural vegetation, water hole and adequate space for the movement of the animals.

The enclosure would stimulate their natural behaviour. Further, they will provide adequate opportunity to the visitors to watch the elephants literally in wild, Patnaik said. An elevation point has been put up to ensure better viewing.

Following is an excerpt from a report in http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/.

Swosti Travels,…, recently introduced jungle safaris at Bhitarkanika and Simlipal sanctuaries in Orissa. According to S Patnaik, General Manager, Swosti Group, the seven-day-package includes stay at diverse locations, interaction with local artisans, forest explorations, animal rides, etc.

"We have roped in private players running eco camps, forest cottages and cruise liners for the project, as we wanted it to be on par with its international counterparts. To begin with, we had to get the requisite clearance from the forest and the tourism departments of the state in terms of the safety and security measures," said Patnaik, as he went on to add that the packages were already being promoted at international fairs and festivals.

Bhitarkanika is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India, whereas the Simlipal National Park boasts of several scenic spots such as Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls.

Without reading the caption, try to guess where this picturesque setting is? It is not in Koraput, Similipal or Satkosia!

It is in Deras, Chandaka.

Following is an excerpt from a report in Zee News.

… the Nandankanan Zoo authorities are all set to launch a novel scheme that will ensure a tax rebate on adoption of an animal by the income tax department.

The scheme is being made possible in collaboration with the State�s income tax department to bring individuals closer to birds and animals apart from bringing transparency in the administrative activities.

"The basic objective is to bring people closer to the captive animals and birds��one is that of course it generates some earnings which give you an option and space for better management. At the same time, it gives a kind of insight on how the animals are reared," said Ajit Kumar Patnaik, Director, Nandankanan Zoo.

Though the novel scheme is a first of its kind in Orissa, the credit for initiating the novel scheme goes to the authorities at Mysore and Lucknow zoos where even schoolchildren are encouraged to adopt animals.

The scheme, which has motivated many individuals, will commence with the new financial year starting April 1, 2008.

… The interested individuals are required to fill up an application form and pay for an annual maintenance on which one can claim the tax rebates.

Names of the people adopting the animals would be displayed on enclosures of the adopted animals.

Nandankanan Zoo authorities are the waiting State government�s approval for starting the scheme.

Currently, the State government spends nine million rupees (0.22 million dollars) on feeding the animals while around Rs. 3 million (0.57 million dollars) are spent on the maintenance of the Nandankanan Zoo.

Nandankanan Zoo, 25 kilometres from Bhubaneshwar, lies in the splendid environs of the Chandaka forest, along the rippling waters of the Kanjia Lake. It also contains a Botanical Garden and part of it has been declared a sanctuary.

Famed for its white tiger population, Nandankanan, or the ‘Garden of Gods’, has become a hot family favourite, with visitors getting an excellent opportunity to enjoy seeing these regal animals in their natural glory.

Over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds co-exist in the deeply forested boundaries.

The zoo enjoys an excellent reputation internationally, for successfully breeding black panthers, Gharial, crocodiles and white tigers in captivity.

Dharitri has a nice article on the golden future of Dhamara. Following are some of the major projects involving Dhamara. My prediction is that in 10-15 years the Chandbali-Dhamara-Bhitarakanika area will be a beautiful metropolitan area  next to a national park. (See top right in this map.)

1. L & T and the Tatas are building a port in Dhamara.
2. Central government is upgrading Dhamara fishing jetty  to an international fishing harbor.
3. Bharati Shipyard and Appejay group plan to build a shipyard in Dhamara.
4. A railway line connecting Dhamara and Bhadrakh will be build.
5. Good roads will definitely connect Dhamara to nearby National Highways.
6. Dhamara will be a major stop in National Waterway 5.
7. Dhamara is next to the Bhitarakanika National Park (more)

We earlier wrote about this in http://www.orissalinks.com/orissagrowth/?p=92  and http://www.orissalinks.com/orissagrowth/?p=69. Following is from a news report in New Indian Express.

As part of its major activity on the silver jubilee year, Chandaka Dampara Sancturay authorities have geared up on the eco-tourism front with more community involvement plans.

The sanctuary has seven tourist routes through which the nature lovers can have a glimpse of some of the 600 plant species, conduct floristic studies and watch the animals including elephants and leopards. The tourist routes of 20 and 30 km length are permitted with vehicles and guides so that the visitors can discover the charm of the wild world.

The routes touch places like Godibari, Kumarkhunti, Kheluachua, Mahuriabadi, Pitagadia, Deras, Ambilo, Saurabila, Mantu hilltop, Chandinimundia, Kuasara and Bhimakhal. But plans are on to develop five ‘nature trails’ in the sanctuary involving Deras bamboo hut-Chandinimundia and back, Deras- Gadhari-Jhumka and back, Jumka- Kheluachua-Dantaria foothills and back, Jhumka-Gadhari and Deras along the reservoir and Chulimundia-Bhimakhal-Kuasara and back, says DFO Akshaya Pattanaik. The trekking inside the sanctuary, including eco-walk, cycling and nature education trips for schoolchildren, would be taken up commercially this year. Also the WWF-India will help in getting literature on select species of flora and fauna of the sanctuary which would be supplied to the children free of cost, he added.

Watch towers with two suits each would be arranged at Kumarkhunti and Ambilo for the trekkers who want to stay put in the sanctuary to enjoy nature from close quarters. The watch towers at Kochilaberena, Mantu hilltop and Pitagadia are also being spruced up for the purpose, the DFO said.

All the eco-development activities are being executed with the active support of ‘‘Bhagabatipur- Manee Sahi Eco-Development Committee’’ at Deras. The ecodevelopment committee is also involved in keeping the environment of the sanctuary clean, especially at tourist spots and it would also get a share of the money earned through these eco-development activities so that the members can continue their good work, Pattnaik adds.

Besides, there are three revamped picnic points near Deras forest rest house which can be used for recreation, amusement and relaxation along with the nature education and to ease off stress in the lap of nature.

Following are excerpts from the PIB http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=31918.

During the current financial year the Ministry has sanctioned so far Rs.323.00 crore for various projects throughout the country. This is an all time record and will facilitate timely execution of projects during the working season.

Some of the important infrastructure projects which have been sanctioned in the current financial year are:

A. Heritage Destinations/Circuits

…

III. The project of Development of Mahanadi Central Heritage (Rs.3.94 crore) has been sanctioned. In this project Jetties, River Bank, Nature Trail, picnic area, etc. will be developed at various places along the river to enhance the experience of visitors to these destinations.

…

C. Rural Tourism

[Note: Its not clear if the “Mahanadi Central Heritage” project covers parts of Orissa or not.]

The Ministry has launched the redesigned website www.exploreruralindia.org which is very visitor friendly. 36 sites are being developed in collaboration with UNDP for Rural Tourism in various States. 15 sites have been completed and these places are ready for marketing from 31^st October, 2007. These projects will facilitate revival of art & craft, encouragement to local skills and pride in diversity.

The list of 36 is given at http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2006/aug06/r2006082235.pdf. It has two locations from Orissa: Pipli and Raghurapur. The above document also has a larger list of 77 locations which has 6 locations from Orissa. Those six are: Raghurajpur, Pipli, Khiching, Barpali, Hirapur and Padmanavpur.

E. Eco tourism

II. The project of development of Satkosia in Orissa (Rs. 4.25 crore) has been sanctioned in which Interpretation Centre, Landscaping, Elephant camps, Trekking park, Watch Towers and parking facilities, etc. are proposed to be developed.

The New Indian Express has a report regarding plans to revamp the Padmatola Lake in Balasore district to attract eco-tourists. Following is an excerpt.

The lake in a picturesque location at Kansa near Nilagiri, is spread over 41.26 acres. Migratory birds in large numbers visit it during winter. The Kuldiha sanctuary is also about 10 km away.

Nandankanan Zoological garden has many birds in enclosed aviaries. But besides that, the nearby lakes and water bodies and the forest like environment also attracts large number of free birds and many nest in those areas. Tathya has a nice article and couple of nice pictures on it. Following is Samjaja’s take on it, which Samaja attributes to Tathya.

ZeeNews also has a report on this. Following is an excerpt.

Visitors are happy watching storks, herons and grey cranes and many other species that have added to every one’s joy.

Ajit Kumar Patnaik, Director, Nandankanan zoo, said “Storks, herons and others birds have migrated to Nandankanan Zoo for nesting. But ninety per cent of them are open billed storks, locally called “Gendallia”.

A one year old baby, named Kalinga, was abandoned by its parents and relatives; after 41 days she was taken back by them. This happened in the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Should not we be outraged by the fact that the baby was abandoned in the first place? Should not the parents be put in jail for abandoning their months old baby? And what has this got to do with the growth of Orissa. Read more and watch the following embedded video to find out why this is such a sweet and charming story and its happening in the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, makes Bhubaneswar an attractive place.

You see Kalinga is a baby elephant which got isolated from its herd when the herd had strayed into Bhubaneswar from the adjacent Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary. The wild life staff tried many ways for the baby elephant to be taken back by its herd, and finally yesterday a herd took it back. Although the wild life staff which fed it with lactogen is worried about its future feeding, they are extremely happy that the baby elephant was taken back to the wild.This is Bhubaneswar. A city with a similar sized elephant sanctuary just next to it. We discussed this sanctuary in earlier postings (here and here). I have never gone inside the sanctuary, but I will definitely go there in my next visit and spend some time in the Bharatpur watch tower to watch elpehants in the wild. I wonder if there is any other city in India where you have an elephant sanctuary right next to it. This aspect of Bhubaneswar is not much known. May be it should remain that way despite this posting.

Note: New Indian Express has a nice report on the forest officers attempt to reunite the lost baby elephant with its herd. Following are some excerpts.

It’s something unheard of but Kalinga which slipped into a small well after getting isolated from its main pack that strayed into an OUAT farm on May 5, finally found acceptance on Saturday from a group of 22 elephants in forests of Chandaka, on the City outskirts.

Two forest guards monitoring the calf saw how it was welcomed into folds of two herds near the watch tower of the protected area. Kalinga was allowed to roam near a water point adjoining the watch tower at Bharatpur.

The herds – in groups of four and 18 – reached the spot at 5.30 pm where a female, as if in a gesture of welcome, tugged at the calf before dragging it into the group. The rest encircled the baby and vanished into the jungle. …

The Chandaka Sanctuary officials had tried the reunion earlier but in vain. Kalinga was kept confined in a breakable enclosure near sanctuary’s entrance at Godibari but the herds would pass by it.

However, DFO Akshay Kumar Patnaik was not one to give up hope. The calf was shifted near Bharatpur watch tower on June 11 as the area is frequented by several herds because of the water point. On the first day itself, two herds came calling but Kalinga found no acceptance.

Then the calf was freed from its enclosure so as to facilitate interaction with the approaching herds. On Tuesday, three packs came across the calf and approached it but Kalinga was reluctant and returned to its base where it is fed and taken care of by the forest officials, Patnaik said.

On Saturday, Kalinga had ‘lactogen’ for lunch and what followed was nothing short of milestone in wildlife management.

But sanctuary officials are worried about Kalinga’s diet as it was on lactogen for last 41 days and could face difficulty in taking milk from its mother.

Following is a picture of Kalinga with a mature elephant trying to take it back. This did not work out. The picture is from Kalinga Times photo gallery and the photo was taken by DFO Akshaya Patnaik. But the next attempt succeeded. (CNN-IBN also has a nice video.)

There are several other charming stories associated with the Chandaka Sanctuary. Decades ago a royal Bengal tiger from the sanctuary jumped into the enclosure of another tiger in the adjoining Nandan Kanan zoo. More about this another day.

The planned Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Choudwar metroplex will have a ring road with NH-5 consisting one part of it with the other part to be constructed. The other part will start from south of Khurda and go through Haladia, Athagarh and Nergundi (a bit south of Tangi). A detailed map of this new road is here. Inside this proposed metroplex will be the Chadaka-Dampara sanctuary. Below I give maps of Bhubaneswar area and Mumbai area to show the relative size of the Chandaka-Dampara sanctuary and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park that is part of the Mumbai metroplex. Both maps have the same resolution. Recently, there is plan to popularize the Chandaka-Dampara sanctuary among the local people. Following is an excerpt from a report in the New Indian Express.

According to divisional forest officer (DFO) and wildlife warden Akshaya Kumar Pattnaik, there are plans to popularise the various spots of the sanctuary among the nature lovers as many in the Twin City are still not aware.

The nice bamboo hut and watch tower near Deras Dam with one and two suites available respectively overlook the channels and drainage system of the water source which provides lifeline to the Mendhasal agriculture farm.

The Kumar Khunti and Ambilo watch towers also have got accommodation facility.

“Plans are on to have small wooden restsheds to accommodate the nature lovers who will come on bicycle rides and can stay overnight as practised in in the West and some well managed reserves in several parts of the country,” Pattnaik reveals.

A visitor can also have the panoramic view of Mahanadi from Mantu Hill Top and enjoy the small fall near Godabhanga Tangara in the rainy season. The caves below the fall are home to hyaenas, he adds.

Apart from wildlife, the ancient forts at Bualigarh and Chudanga can be explored which have great archaeological value, the DFO says adding an interpretation centre is on cards with a fodder demonstration centre, small herbal garden, souvenir stall and snacks parlour at Godibari entrance of the sanctuary.

Though more than 10,000 visitors visit in a year, the DFO feels the number should go up considering the charm of the jungles, especially when one can enjoy the coastal sal range from Kochila Berena watch tower.

Mumbai

Many may not know that to the west of Bhubaneswar lies the Chandaka widlife sanctuary with varieties of flora and fauna. This sanctuary is considered as the lungs of Bhubaneswar. Today’s New Indian Express has an article about this. Following are some excerpts.

The sanctuary is perhaps among the few in the country which boasts of a treasure trove of flora and fauna excepting the royal Bengal tiger. The coastal range of sal forests also end here with an intimate mix of evergreen and deciduous elements.

According to divisional forest officer (DFO) Akshaya Kumar Pattanaik, though elephant is the flagship species, two types of monkeys, three deer species and three other herbivores, nine types of carnivores including the panther, two types of civets, tree shrew and pangolins are spotted.

Also the sanctuary is home to 21 types of snakes, 16 lizards, one species of turtle and marsh crocodile. The avian types include 174 with 10 species of water fowl and waders, seven ground nesters, seven raptors and 17 song birds.

The elephant population (65 in 2006 census) is seen in group sizes of 18, 13, 8, 7, 5 and 4. Even joining of three or four family groups were also observed aggregating to a herd size of 38 at Bharatpur in the past.

Orissa tourism has a nice page on Chandaka. Following is a map of Chandaka from that site.