Wildlife Society of
Orissa
The Wildlife Society of Orissa was formed in August,
1994.
It is headed by its President Dr. B.C. Mishra Ex-professor
of Surgery. Mr. K.C. Mohapatra, Engineer is the
Vice-President and Mr.Biswajit Mohanty is the Secretary. Mr.
Ranjit Pattnaik is Director of Education and Awareness
activity of the Society.All office bearers hold honorary
posts.
We are registered under the S.R. Act,1860 and recognized by
the Central Pollution Control Board for pollution control
activities.
The policy decisions and action plans are made by the
Executive Committee. The Secretary handles the day to day
functions.The Society’s primary objective is conservation of
forest and wildlife of the state of Orissa, apart from
pollution control activities.The Society works in
co-operation with the state Forest Department.
The following activities are conducted by the Society:
- Collection of poaching and trade intelligence
regarding wildlife products like skins,ivory,body parts
and live species.
- Lobbying with the state government for changes in the
forest and wildlife laws and to ensure their strict
implementation .
- Carrying out mass awareness and education campaigns
among local communities for habitat and wildlife
protection.
- Legal action for various matters of public interest
concerning conservation issues related to violation of
forest, wildlife and environmental laws.
- Providing legal protection to various forest staff who
face false complaint cases
- Intervention in cases of wildlife offenders in trial
courts to ensure their conviction
- Local partner of Operation Kachhapa launched by WPSI,
New Delhi which is a special project for protection of the
endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, thousands of which
die due to illegal mechanized fishing on the Orissa coast.
- Documentation of important wildlife habitats and
endangered species of the state through field surveys.
- Monitoring pollution hotspots in the state and
lobbying for enforcement of environmental laws.
ACHIEVEMENTS
1. The first major seizure of 21 leopard skins in Orissa
in April,1996 was done after we collected trade
intelligence and carried out a sting operation in
collaboration with the Forest, Customs and the Police.
2. The Society regularly briefs the media about various
issues concerning forest, wildlife and environment. The
local media carries stories or TV interviews on wildlife
regularly.
3. Paid ex grattia compensation to the family of Shri
Shyam Sundar Singh, forest guard killed while protecting
sea turtlesin 2003. Family of Shri Indramani Bhatt, forest
guard was also compensated in 2004.
4. The Society has a strong legal program for protection
of sanctuaries, wildlife and prosecution of offenders.The
following cases were filed:
i) PIL filed for disposal of seized timber, ivory,
vehicles by forest department, to prevent damage. Court
ordered that all such items should be auctioned (except
the ivory) pending disposal of the case.
ii) PIL for final notification of more than 10,000 sq.kms
reserved forest lands in the state which are pending as
proposed notifications.
iii) PIL regarding illegal diversion of elephant corridors
for coal mining by Mahanadi coal without seeking clearance
from the Central Government.
iv) PIL regarding curbing noise pollution in the twin
cities.
v) PIL for ensuring protection of animals and environment
and eviction of encroachers from Nandan Kanan Zoological
Park. Several hotels and encroachers were evicted
following court orders.
vi) Intervention petition supporting issue of transit
permits for sal leaf plates. The High Court dismissed the
application demanding abolition of permit. The sal leaf
traders appealed to the Supreme Court and we have also
filed intervention opposing them.The future of Simlipal
Tiger Reserve is at stake if uncontrolled collection of
sal leaves is allowed.
vii) PIL filed in High Court (jointly with WPSI) praying
for protection of Bhittarkanika mangroves, sea turtles and
demolition of illegal shrimp farms. Interim orders have
ensured demolition of prawn farms.
viii) I.A. filed in Supreme Court in 2002 for closing down
sawmills operating in violation of the Orissa Sawmills and
Sawpits Control Act, 1991. Orders led to closure of 25
sawmills in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
ix) Application filed in Supreme Court's Central Empowered
Committee (CEC)in 2004 against violation of forest laws by
Vedanta Alumina Ltd. Prayer also made not to allow mining
at the wildlife rich Niyamgiri hill in Kalahandi district.
CEC recommended revocation of environmental clearance and
not to allow mining at Niyamgiri. Final orders awaited.
x) PIL filed in Delhi High Court in 2000 for formation of
National Environment Tribunal under the Act of 1995.
Notice issued to Centre. This Tribunal would be a forum
for affected parties to file for claims in case of
accidental discharge of effluents by industries.
xi) Intervention in more than ten criminal trial
proceedings of accused under the Wildlife Protection
Act,1972.This resulted in denial of bail for substantial
periods and acted as a deterrent for repetition of
offences.
Awards / Citations received :
1. Appointed as a member of the National Board for
Wildlife in June,2007.
2. Certificate of Appreciation from PETA ( People for
Ethical Treatment of Animals) for exceptional work in the
diligent pursuit of an end to illegal transport and cruel
slaughter in India.
3. Wildlife Service Award, 2001 by the Sanctuary Asia -
ABN Amro Bank for wildlife conservation.
4. Ford Conservation and Environment Grant,2001 in
recognition of the valuable contribution towards
environmental protection and conservation .
5.Invited in 2002 as an international visitor by the US
Government for an education program on "Global
Environmental Issues".Learnt about wise environment and
wildlife management.
Contact:
kachhapa@gmail.com
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