Plea to develop Pakidi into eco-tourism destination

Forest Department, conservators of peacocks make suggestion to State govt.
BERHAMPUR: Forest Department and local conservators of peacocks have suggested to the State government to develop Pakidi area in Ganjam district into an eco-tourism destination. The area near the Karanjei hill of Aska, about 35km from the commercial nerve centre of Orissa, Berhampur have the scope for development into a sanctuary and eco-tourism destination for the national bird.
According to Divisional Forest Officer A.K. Jena, who is in charge of the south-Ghumusar forest division, they have already sent a proposal to the government on it. The Ganjam Mayur Surakhya Samity (GMSS), an organisation formed by villagers of the area involved in peacock protection has also joined hands with the Forest Department in making the suggestion. Mr. Jena said Rajya Sabha member Smt. Renubala Pradhan promised had Rs. 20 lakhs from her local area development fund to initiate work for the purpose.
The GMSS with the help of the Forest Department has till date played exemplary role in the protection of the peacock habitat in the area. The efforts of these villagers’ organisation have been honoured through the Biju Patnaik Memorial Award for Wild Life Protection in 2006. The villagers of Sobhachandpur, Kerikerijhole, Ambuabadi, Bharatapalli, Chatradhepa, Karnandi, Chermaria and Shelliguda are involved in the organisation and have vowed to protect and save the national bird from the hands of poachers.
According to the villagers the number of peacocks in the area may cross the 1,000 mark which is quite a number to attract tourists. As per the suggestions made by the peacock protection organisation members and the Forest Department, this place should have some watch towers. It needs better road communication. The habitat of the peacocks has to be improved with better water facility for them and more afforestation work in the area. It will be easy to attract tourists to the spot as it is close to the commercial nerve centre of Orissa, Berhampur and near NH 217.
Courtesy: The Hindu