‘Centre granted over Rs 36 cr to Odisha for tiger, elephant conservation’

Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: The Centre has sanctioned more than Rs 36 crore for conservation of tigers and elephants in Odisha under different schemes during 2019-21. This was informed by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan while expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Forest and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar for the allocation.

He further said the Centre provided Rs 11.19 crore and Rs 15.68 crore to the State for Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Similipal tiger sanctuary under different tiger projects.

Similarly, the Centre allocated more than Rs 9.68 crore to Odisha in 2019-21 to ensure conservation of elephants and their habitats. The allocation also includes money for the people residing in areas close to elephant habitats in the State.

The move is expected to increase forest cover, promote national fresh air programme and create better ecosystem and opportunities for youths in the State, the Union Minister added.