Protected Area Network in Orissa - Vasundhara

Stone queryWhen one look at the Bisnupur hill, the only thing one can see is naked mountain andhuge rocks. Adjoining Kuldiha is Bisnupur hill near village Baulagadia. According tothe locals, the District Mining Department has demarcated this hill, and the stonequery activity has been going on since ages. Infact, Baulagadia is known for its stonecarving, and these stones come from this Bisnupur hill. Slowly other near by hills arealso being demarcated. Rampant felling of trees and poaching are also carried out.NTFP collection:Traders carrying truck load of people from Mayurbhanj into Kuldiha sanctuary tocollect NTFP, especially Siadi leaves.Rissa dam boon or curseOver the years it is observed that many casualties/death of baby elephants has takenplace in the sanctuary. The reasons can be attributed to the fact that these young onceout of their curiosity climb the Rissia Dam and at times slip and fall from the height,resulting in death. Over a period of five years, eight casualties have been recorded.The wildlife authority needs to take drastic steps to prevent it.76