Like every year, West Bengal Government is celebrating Wildlife Day on December 8 throughout the State.
Forests and wildlife are the assets of Bengal. Conservation of this spectacular bio-diversity is our responsibility.
West Bengal Government has been committed to protection of wildlife and conservation of forests over the last four years.
Here are the achievements of the Forest Department:
Conservation of biodiversity: With the co-operation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a project of Rs 406 crore has been taken up to conserve forests and wildlife.
Eco-tourism: With the help of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Ltd., 17 eco-tourism projects in North Bengal and three in South Bengal have been taken up. Cottages are being constructed. The Lamahata project has already started.
West Bengal Wasteland Development Corporation Ltd: The West Bengal Wasteland Development Corporation Ltd. (WBWDCL)has been made functional. Under the aegis of WBWDCL, tree plantation has been carried out over 1260 acres.
Wildlife census: Census of wild animals have been performed, including those of rhinoceros, gaur (both in Gorumara National Park), Red Panda (Singalila National Park) and crocodile (in Sunderbans National Park).
Coastal Zone Management Project: A Coastal Zone Management Project has been started in Purba Medinipur district with the assistance of the World Bank.
West Bengal Zoo Authority: West Bengal Zoo Authority has become operational and 10 small zoos have been brought under its purview. A master plan is being prepared for all the small zoos in the state. Special steps have been taken to conserve endangered species.
Selling kendu leaves: Many people in the state are engaged in the plucking and selling ofkendu leaves. With a view to help such people with their livelihoods, the state government has increased the price at which they can sell the leaves from Rs 48 per chatta (contains 2000 leaves) to Rs 75 per chatta.