The forest department here claimed that the forest cover has been increased in Mayurbhanj district due to systematic management and protection measures.
Deputy director of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) Dr. Jagyandatta Pati here claimed that the forest cover has been increased by more than 42 sq km as per the latest Indian State of Forest Report 2017.
The Very Dense Forest (VDF) category has increased from 1,325 sq km in the year 2015 to 1,335 sq km in 2017, while the Moderate Dense Forest (MDF) has been increased by 10 sq km and the Open Forest (OF) category which was 1,005 sq km in 2015 has risen to 1,027 sq km.
He said that total forest area was 4,038 sqkm in 2015 which increased to 4,080 sq km that is 39.16 percent of the total geographical area.
Intensive protection of Similipal Tiger Reserve, successful community forest management through Vana Surakshya Samity, Sabuja Bahini, and Eco-Development Committee, successful plantations are the main reason for the increase in forest cover said Dr Pati.
“Increase in both forest area and quality is a welcome sign for Similipal Tiger Reserve,” he said adding that Mayurbhanj is not only the wildlife habitat but also the source of major rivers like Budhabalanga, Salandi, West Deo, East Deo and Palpala.