Centre Seeks Heritage Tag For Bhitarkanika

Bhitarkanika mangrove forest, one of the finest natural treasure troves of the Orissa will soon be on the list of World Heritage Sites.

Orissa, one of the South-eastern state of India has several natural resources but none of its natural resources has never achieved such prestigious title. Recently, the Indian government has short listed Bhitarnika mangrove forest for final presentation before the UNESCO's World Heritage Committee to enlist it in the World Heritage Sites.

According to an official of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) , the Central government has assigned this Dehradun-based organization to work for the Bhitarnika's cause. He has also informed that a official letter has been sent to the institution from the Ministry of environment and forest. It reveals that this mangrove forest of Orissa have to compete with Great Himalayan National Park, Uttarakhand, Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal and Desert National Park, Rajasthan for this coveted title.

B.K Patnaik, the Chief Wildlife Warden of Orissa state is confident about Bhitarnika's win over the other three natural resources due its unique feature. Bhitarakanika Conservation Area which encompasses a huge land of 2,154.26 sq km. in the Mahanadi-Baitarani-Bramhani delta region under Kendrapa district is a unique natural resource. This area is a blend of terrestrial, fresh water, estuarine and marine eco-systems. It has 52 pure mangrove species out of 58 varieties which are available in India.

This seaside forest is home to more than 1,500 salt water crocodiles, including a 20 foot long crocodile. It is the largest crocodile which is mentioned in Guinness Book Of World Records. This region also serve as a breeding ground for the endangered Olive Ridley Turtle and herons, a bird from the Ardeidae family.

Even it is known to provide shelter to all most 60 species of migratory birds. Apart from deer, samber, wild boar, reptiles, fish and native birds, this forest also has eight varieties of Kingfisher birds. It also has a population of 2000 Dalei tribes residing within its boundary.

Bhitarakanika also act as a huge protecting wall that saves the region from repeated cyclones.

Mr. Patnaik has informed that he had earlier made a presentation highlighting how this mangrove forest is different from other and due to which a perfect choice for World Heritage Status. He moreover added that if Bhitarakanika gets this global tag, it will increase the influx of the globetrotters to this virgin forest, which is very rare and unique in its own sense.