Odisha’s Bhitarkanika national park may figure in the world heritage list with the state’s forest department and wildlife officials trying to come up with a dossier. Presently, the famous Konark Sun Temple is the only site from the state that enjoys world heritage site status.
Odisha forest department and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun have recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for compilation of a comprehensive bio-diversity dossier of Bhitarkanika national park. In order to compile wide-ranging information on bio-diversity, eco-system, human habitation, socio-economic condition of locals and their dependence on forest produce, a four-member team of scientists from WII visited the national park in Kendrapara district Tuesday. The world heritage site status would give an impetus to Bhitarkanika’s fragile bio-diversity. With greater assistance from global institutions, the ecosystem here would flourish in a big way.
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