Bhubaneswar: Hirakud Wildlife Division, which governs Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary, celebrated 72nd wildlife week with enthusiasm at Sambalpur Zoo and Conservation Centre, bringing together public representatives, students and wildlife enthusiasts to promote conservation awareness.The highlight of the event was the flagging off of two safari vehicles that will connect Sambalpur Zoo with the Hirakud-Debrigarh landscape, strengthening wildlife tourism and enhancing visitor access to one of Odisha’s premier conservation areas.Besides Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan, the programme was attended by rural development minister Rabi Narayan Nayak.As part of the Wildlife Week celebrations, Hirakud Wildlife Division had organised a series of competitions for students from schools, colleges and universities across Sambalpur district. Students from 38 schools, 10 colleges and three universities participated in quiz, drawing, art, photography and debate competitions.Around 250 students were felicitated and awarded during the function. The drawing competition for school students was based on the themes ‘Human for the Nature’ for the junior category and ‘Human within the Nature’ for the senior category. University students competed in art, photography and debate events centred on wildlife conservation and emerging environmental issues. The art competition theme focused on ‘Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife’, while photography entries highlighted the wildlife and birds of Hirakud and Debrigarh. Debates were conducted on contemporary conservation topics, including the role of artificial intelligence in environmental protection.The event also recognised grassroots conservation efforts. Winners of the Chief Minister’s Award for Wildlife Conservation were honoured with cash rewards of Rs 25,000 each. Moreover, death compensation of Rs 2 lakh each was distributed to 38 families engaged in kendu leaf collection.
