Kendrapada: The Centre has allocated substantial funds for conservation and development of Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha‘s Kendrapada district, environment minister Bhupender Yadav announced Monday. A total of Rs 5.12 crore has been earmarked under the centrally-sponsored scheme (CSS) for Wildlife Habitat Development from FY 2020-21 to 2024-25. Additionally, Rs 4.87 crore has been granted for mangrove conservation and management in Bhitarkanika and surrounding areas. The govt has also allocated Rs 16.43 crore for ecosystem restoration and mangrove plantation, along with livelihood activities under the Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC) project.
Responding to MP Baijayant Panda’s query, Yadav highlighted the recent launch of the “Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes” (MISHTI) programme in 2023. Under this initiative, Rs 70.27 lakh has been released to Odisha for activities in four districts, including Kendrapada.
Bhitarkanika, declared a National Park in 1998, spans over 145 sq km of forest lands, rivers, creeks, estuary, and backwaters. The minister emphasized strict protection measures, including imprisonment of three to seven years and minimum fines of Rs 25,000 for violations such as hunting or boundary alterations.
The park, designated as a Ramsar site in 2002, prohibits wildlife exploitation and water flow alterations without proper authorization from the chief wildlife warden and approval from the state govt and National Board for Wildlife. These initiatives reflect the govt’s commitment to preserving Bhitarkanika’s unique ecosystem and promoting sustainable coastal habitat management.