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Puri: Pollution seems to be threatening the Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected reserve forest spreading over 85 sq km area along the coast of Puri –Konark even as the forest department remains a mute spectator.
While carrying out a ground zero reality check at the sanctuary, OTV found that heaps of untreated wastes, garbage of expiry medicines, plastic and glass bottles, domestic wastes from hotels, businesses and household articles have been spotted lying in the reserve forest which not only destroys the aesthetic beauty of the tourist destination but also puts the lives of wildlife thriving here at risk.
Balukhand reserve forest is home to a variety of flora and fauna especially a number of animal species including spotted-deer, Black-Buck, Hare, Olive Ridley, Jackal, hyenas, Jungle cat, Monitor lizards which thrive here.
Since the area lies near the coast, conservation of its fresh water ecosystem is very important and for that the union ministry of forest, environment and climate change had also declared 21.5 square km area of the sanctuary as Eco-sensitive protected zone.
Besides, to protect the forest from coastal erosion, mass forestation of Casuarina and Acacia trees could also be seen spanning the entire area.
Locals and intellectuals showing displeasure over the pollution at the protected forest area allege lackadaisical attitude of forest department officials for not implementing protective norms with strictness.
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"When we see the condition near the roadside we feel helpless and sad because of the pollution. Wildlife species that live here are endangered due to the exploitative nature of the people. The natural environment of the outer periphery of the sanctuary is degrading day by day. Since the area near the sanctuary is isolated people are tempted to dispose of wastes here more often than not," a concerned resident Samir Mishra said.
Even though notice boards and other information have been displayed near the sanctuary to keep it free of pollution, people seem unconcerned, he said.
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of the sanctuary Prasant Kumar Swain said people take benefit of darkness and throw away wastes in the reserve forest. "We will intensify patrolling and if any person is found violating norms strict action will be taken," he said.