Odisha has declared Gupteswar forest in Koraput district as its fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site

Odisha's Gupteswar forest in Koraput district is declared as its fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site of the State. The Odisha government asks the Odisha Biodiversity Board to formulate a long-term plan for the conservation and development of the said site through direct participation of the local communities. An amout of 35 Lakh has been approved by the Government for preparing the action plan and to raise awareness among the local community.

News and Facts

Odisha has declared Gupteswar forest in Koraput District as its fourth biodiversity heritage site. After Mandasaru in Kandhamal District, Mahendragiri in Gajapati District and Gandhamardan in Bargarh and Balangir District, Gupteswar has also been declared as biodiversity heritage site.

About Gupteswar Forest

Gupteswar Forest it is located adjacent to gupteswar Shiva Temple which is a natural Limestone cave Shrine. It holds sacred Groves revered by the local community for generations and have rich biodiversity. This forest serves as a home to key faunal species like Mugger Crocodile, Kanger Valley Rock Gecko and Avifauna such as common hill Myna, white belled woodpecker and Banded bay cuckoo. If we talk about the key floral species then this Forest has threatened medicinal plants such as the Indian trumpet tree, Indian snakeroot, kumbi gum tree and garlic Pear tree. 

Biodiversity Heritage Sites

Now let's discuss and know about the Biodiversity Heritage Sites. These are unique ecosystems having rich biodiversity consisting of some specific components, these include - richness of wild domesticated species or intraspecific categories, high endemism (that is restricted in geographical distribution to an area or region), presence of rare and threatened species, keystone species, species of evolutionary significance, wild ancestors of domestic or cultivated species or their varieties and past preeminence of biological components represented by Fossil Beds and having significant cultural ethical or aesthetic values among others. Under Section 37 of biological diversity act 2002, state government in consultation with local bodies may notify areas of biodiversity importance as biodiversity heritage site. Also, the state government in consultation with the central government may frame rules for management and conservation of biodiversity heritage site. Additionally, creation of Biodiversity Heritage Sites may not put any restriction on prevailing practices and usages by local communities other than those decided by them.

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