Odisha News Today

Baleshwar, Sept 8 : Five young orangutans were rescued from the Ranakotha Reserve Forest near Badapahi area under the Udayapur Forest Division in Odisha's Baleshwar district on Tuesday, prompting the Forest Department to investigate how the exotic animals reached the state. Forest officials reached the area after receiving information about the animals in the morning and subsequently rescued them. A veterinary team examined the orangutans and provided medical care. Odisha Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said the five orangutans are between 1 and 2 years old. He said the possibility of an international wildlife trafficking network being involved cannot be ruled out. International Trafficking Angle Under Probe Khuntia said orangutans are not native to India and are found in countries including Malaysia, Indonesia and parts of Southeast Asia. He said the exact route through which the animals reached Odisha would become clear only after the investigation. According to the minister, an orangutan can fetch around Rs 25 lakh in the trafficking market, raising the possibility of organised wildlife trafficking being involved in the case. Rescued Orangutans Kept In Quarantine The five orangutans are currently being kept in quarantine under the supervision of the Forest Department and veterinary experts. Khuntia said they would be shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park after receiving necessary medical treatment and clearance from veterinarians. He also said further research would be conducted on the rescued animals. The Forest Department has initiated an investigation to establish the source of the orangutans and identify those responsible for bringing them to the area. Also Read : Baleshwar Family Hears Hissing Sound, Finds 7-Foot Python Inside House Orangutans Critically Endangered Orangutans are large, reddish-haired great apes native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. The three recognised species -- Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans -- are known for their intelligence, including tool use, problem-solving and learning through observation. They are primarily fruit-eaters but also consume leaves, bark, insects and other plant matter. Orangutans are largely solitary and spend most of their lives in trees. All three species are classified as Critically Endangered, with habitat loss, deforestation, hunting and illegal wildlife trade posing major threats to their survival.

Bhubaneswar, Sep 8 : The Commissionerate Police has imposed a series of restrictions for Ganesh Puja celebrations in Bhubaneswar, including a ban on DJs, a prohibition on melody programmes after 10 pm and restrictions on fireworks. The guidelines were announced after the Commissionerate Police held discussions with members of various puja committees in the capital ahead of the festival. Traditional musical instruments may be used during the celebrations, while DJs have been prohibited. Melody programmes have also been barred after 10 pm to prevent noise-related disturbances. Fireworks have been prohibited during the celebrations, while CCTV cameras have been made mandatory at puja mandaps as part of the security arrangements. Also Read : Ganesh Puja Preparations Gather Pace In Kataka As Artisans Work Round The Clock Strict Action Against Forced 'Chanda' The police have also warned puja committee members against collecting donations (Chanda) by force. Strong action would be taken against members of puja committees found demanding donations forcibly, police said. Residents have been advised to report such incidents by calling the dedicated helpline at 8280338302 or the emergency number 112. Puja committees have also been directed to ensure adequate lighting at parking areas, 'Mina Bazaars' and melody programme venues. They have been asked to strengthen fire-safety arrangements at the venues. The police have further imposed restrictions on the construction of distorted or objectionable idols as part of the festival guidelines. 420 Mandaps To Host Ganesh Puja According to a source, Ganesh Puja is scheduled to be held at around 420 mandaps across the Commissionerate Police area. Of these, around 380 puja mandaps are located in Bhubaneswar, while another 40 are in Jatani. So far, the authorities have received around 340 applications seeking permission to organise Ganesh Puja celebrations. 30 Platoons Of Force To Be Deployed Security arrangements have also been strengthened across the capital ahead of the festival. Around 30 platoons of police force are expected to be deployed in Bhubaneswar. The deployment would include four additional DCPs, 10 ACPs, 32 inspectors, 100 SIs and ASIs, and 20 women home guards. The Commissionerate Police has urged puja committees and organisers to cooperate with the authorities and ensure that the celebrations are conducted peacefully while adhering to the prescribed guidelines.