Five Bhitarkanika forest personnel remembered on National Forest Martyrs Day

Kendrapara, Sep 11 (UNI) Rich tributes were paid to five forest personnel who laid down their lives while protecting and conserving the flora and fauna of Bhitarkanika National Park on the occasion of National Forest Martyrs Day today.

Forest officials, led by DFO Rajnagar Mangrove Forest and Wildlife Division Vardaraj Gaonkar, offered floral tributes at the martyrs’ tower in Dangamal within the national park.

While garlanding the memorial, the officials recalled the heroic sacrifices of the forest staff who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The DFO also felicitated the family members of the martyrs with flower bouquets and shawls. Remembering their bravery, Gaonkar recounted Sk Nur Mohammad (Forester) and Sheikh Gafil (Forest Guard) were killed by the timber mafia on January 2, 1990, while preventing illegal felling of mangroves on Hukitola Island.

Dijabar Swain (Forest Guard) was murdered by timber smugglers on April 4, 1996, and his body was buried inside the Akasdia forest.

Shyamsundar Singh (Forest Guard), engaged in sea patrolling at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary to protect Olive Ridley turtles, was killed by fishermen who dumped his body in the sea.

Madhusudan Behera (Forest Guard) was killed by a crocodile on April 24, 2000, while feeding the reptile at the Dangamal hatchery.

They sacrificed their lives with utmost dedication to conserve and protect Bhitarkanika’s unique ecosystem. Their commitment will always remain an inspiration for all of us,” said ACF Manas Kumar Das.