Union govt committed to conserving Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara: Baijayant Panda

The Central government has earmarked Rs 260 Crore for the conservation of Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary in Odisha’s Kendrapara, as part of efforts to protect its rich biodiversity. This was disclosed by the Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) Minister Bhupender Yadav in Lok Sabha on Monday, addressing a question from Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda.

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MP Baijayant Panda raised concerns regarding the urgency of safeguarding Bhitarkanika's biodiversity. In reply, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change said the MISHTI programme has been functioning since 2023 and the Government will keep initiating conservation actions through its existing programmes.

The Union MoEF&CC Minister reiterated the Central government is dedicated to preserving Bhitarkanika, emphasising these efforts as integral to a long-term strategy for the region's ecological well-being.

Taking to his personal X handle, the Kendrapara MP later wrote, “The Union Government is committed to conserving Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district and its unique ecosystem. Over Rs 260 Crore has been allocated for various wildlife and mangrove conservation projects in Odisha. In response to my question, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, @byadavbjp, highlighted the launch of the MISHTI programme, which aims to restore and promote mangroves to enhance the sustainability of coastal habitats.”

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Worth mentioning, the Government of India previously launched the ‘Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes’ (MISHTI) programme to restore and promote mangroves as unique, natural eco-system and to preserve and enhance the sustainability of the coastal habitats in 2023.

An area measuring around 145 square kilometers, which includes forest lands, rivers, creeks, estuary and backwaters, was declared as Bhitarkanika National Park in 1998 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.