President Droupadi Murmu visited the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha on Wednesday, May 4th, to take stock of the situation following the recent forest fires that ravaged the area. The President’s visit aimed to assess the damage caused by the fires and review the ongoing efforts to restore the region’s ecosystem.
The President, who was accompanied by senior forest officials and local politicians, also interacted with the villagers living in and around the reserve. During her visit, she urged the authorities to take steps to prevent forest fires in the future and ensure the safety of the flora and fauna in the area.
The Similipal Tiger Reserve, one of the largest tiger reserves in India, is located in the northern part of Odisha and covers an area of over 2,750 square kilometres. The reserve is home to several endangered species, including tigers, elephants, and leopards, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna.
In February and March this year, several forest fires broke out in the reserve, causing extensive damage to the ecosystem. The fires destroyed over 2,500 hectares of forest cover, affecting the wildlife and livelihoods of the villagers living in the area.
The Odisha government, along with various NGOs and local communities, has been working towards restoring the reserve’s ecosystem and preventing such incidents from happening in the future. The government has also deployed several teams of firefighters and forest officials to monitor the situation and prevent any further damage.
The President’s visit to the Similipal Tiger Reserve has highlighted the importance of preserving India’s rich natural heritage and taking urgent steps to protect the environment from the impacts of climate change and other human activities. It is hoped that her visit will bring renewed focus and attention to the need for sustained efforts to protect India’s wildlife and natural resources.
