5.1 The environment includes various ecological sectors. The ecological sectors in Orissa can be divided into three major categories: forest ecosystems including reserved forests, coastal ecosystems harbouring the mangrove vegetation, and many inland sectors having mining activities or mining ecosystems.
5.2 The forest cover is declining; giving rise to deserted barren degraded waste-lands causing serious problems of soil erosion, soil nutrient loss and climatic imbalance. Deforestation also increases the threat to the survival of native and endemic vegetation. The State will take up the task of characterization and conservation (ex situ) of forest species, which include many endemic plant species which are almost on the verge of extinction due to excessive human interference.
Although in situ conservation is the ideal approach, this needs further augmentation through ex situ measures. The conservation activity should also be further supplemented with molecular taxonomic approaches. In this context, steps need to be taken for:
i) Analysis and proper scientific investigation of forest health through appropriate technologies.
ii) Formulation of scientific procedures to conserve the forest species.
iii) Development of soil biotechnological strategy for reclamation/ rehabilitation of forest cleared wastelands to develop these into active forests.
iv) Development of proper management strategies for the maintenance of existing undisturbed forest in its sound ecological state.
5.3 Mangrove vegetation embraces plants belonging to several unrelated families. These plants also exhibit different degrees of salt tolerance. The mangrove species play a pivotal role in the coastal environment. The mangrove forests of Orissa provide a good breeding ground and nursery for edible fish and prawns. The forest meadows and swampy habitats support a large number of resident, as well as migratory birds. Forest products are available in abundance in this region. Gahirmatha beach, surrounded by mangrove forests, is one of the largest rookeries of Olive Ridley sea turtles in the world.
5.5 Restoration of biota in mining areas is a major concern to the State of Orissa, since a huge land cover of the State has already been converted to wastelands due to heavy inputs of ions, mostly of heavy metals, extracted from mining activities. Phyto- and bio-remediation techniques need to be applied to such sites.
5.6 The State has witnessed rapid urbanization in the last few years. This has brought serious environmental pollution of air, water and soil. It is desirable to develop biological means to overcome these problems. Biodegradation of solid wastes is to be given top priority in the State. For example, Bhubaneswar City on an average generates nearly 400 tons of solid waste garbage daily. These materials need to be utilized in a proper way. They can be converted to organic manure through biodegradation.
Biodiversity Conservation
5.7 The various geographical terrains in the State contain tremendous bio-diversity. The forest, agriculture, marine and plant resources are both large and diverse and represent great opportunity for Biotechnological research and products. The biosphere reserve of "Similipal" and forests like "Gandhamardhan" and "Harisankar" house rich biodiversity which needs to be preserved with suitable biotechnological interventions.
Olive Ridley turtles of Gahirmatha :
5.8 Sea turtles have drawn considerable attention in recent years on account of their vulnerability and due to the fact that all the species in the world are endangered and threatened. Up to the early 1970s, our knowledge of the sea turtles that visit the coasts of India remained limited. However, the endangered status of the sea turtles led to a spurt of activity leading to collection of data on the activities of the sea turtles that visit coasts for nesting. Prevalent environmental conditions along the Orissan coast attract sea turtles, specifically
the Olive Ridley for breeding. All the three major breeding sites of Olive Ridley turtles in India are restricted to the Orissa coast. This once threatened species is no longer considered endangered due to efficient management strategies developed by experts and due to co-operation from the Central as well as the State Government. The conservation strategy of this species has become so successful that it has now been decided to remove the animal from the IUCN list of threatened species.
5.9 Unfortunately, the knowledge on the habits, migratory routes and activities of both the hatchlings and the adult Olive Ridley turtles, after they leave the coast, is negligible. These need to be explored. Also this unique species needs to be genetically characterized and finger printed.
Mangrove species:
5.10 The great diversity in the gene banks of mangrove species needs to be maintained. For example, Porteresia coarctata tateoka, belonging to family Poaceae, is of high economic value for its sustainability in high salinity and submergence. This plant species is categorized under the endangered list. Therefore, ex situ conservation of this plant is an urgent need.
Chilika lake:5.11 The Chilika lake, which was quite productive until a few years ago, is now on the verge of a severe decline in its productivity. The State may make short and long term biotechnological interventions in order to preserve the biodiversity of this ecosystem.
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