WTI set for 'Gaj Utsav' in Odisha

By Bijay Mishra
Bhubaneshwar, 20th July, 2023 

Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) initiates Gaj Utsav in Odisha with a planning meeting organized with stakeholders from the forest department, representatives of judiciary, local NGOs and public representatives at Bhubaneshwar. 
 
Presiding over the meeting, S K Popli, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)and Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha, stressed upon people participation in wildlife conservation including elephants. He told that elephant, being the largest terrestrial mammal requires large areas, and hence, is usually one of the first species to suffer the consequences of habitat fragmentation and destruction. Efforts are going on for proper management of the Elephant Reserves for rejuvenate some of the fragmented habitats. Mr Popli lauded the efforts of WTI , which set for organising “ Gaja Utsav “ to create awareness. 

Dr. Sandeep K. Tiwari, Chief of Conservation, WTI  elaborated on elephant conservation concerns in Odisha. He told that , “the highly acclaimed 'Gaj Utsav', a flagship campaign on elephants by Wildlife Trust of India, has been making waves across elephant range states.  It became India's largest celebration dedicated to elephants, garnering immense support and enthusiasm.”
In 2022, the campaign reached new heights with 'Gajotsavam' in Kerala, a multidisciplinary tribute to India's National Heritage Animal amidst the enchanting realm of "God's own country." Throughout the year, diverse events held in key cities of Kerala facilitated impactful collaborations among policymakers, industrialists, distinguished wildlife conservationists, social media influencers, and prominent personalities from the entertainment and arts industry, school children, and members of civil society. Together, they forged a unified mandate for the preservation of Kerala's wild elephant populations, engaging approximately 50,000 individuals.

Buoyed by this resounding success, the 'Gaj Utsav' now eagerly ventures into Odisha, furthering its mission to protect elephants and promote conservation. The team is thrilled to bring this grand campaign to Odisha, and with the presence of government representatives, the vision is to make a significant impact in the realm of elephant conservation.

Among others the meeting was  addressed by Dr. Saroj Pattnaik, Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha, and Prof. BC Choudhury, Senior Advisor of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). Representatives from the Forest Department, media, National Law University, and Shrimati Nandini Sathpathy Memorial Trust (SNSMT) were participated in the meeting . Actionable Strategies were formatted for Elephant Conservation, in Odisha to mobilise a collaborative effort to safeguard elephants and communities. Recognizing the vital role of media in shaping public perception, the aim is to engage media representatives through technical and experience sharing workshops, fostering responsible reporting and highlighting the root causes of incidents, especially those of Human-elephant conflict , encouraging more investigative reporting.

The campaign also will make efforts to engage with Linear Infrastructure agencies to address elephant conservation concerns collectively with technical support from NGOs, researchers, and the Forest Department Collaboration with bar associations and the bar council to foster awareness and cooperation in addressing legal challenges concerning elephants, will also be a crucial component of the campaign.

This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment of all stakeholders, including media, LI agencies, legal professionals, and legislators, to safeguarding both elephants and the communities they coexist with. By working together, a sustainable future for these magnificent creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit, can be envisioned.

'Gaj Utsav' is an esteemed campaign dedicated to elephant conservation, organized across various elephant range states in India since 2018. It aims to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and build a unified mandate to protect and preserve the country's wild elephant populations.