Fodder plants for Chandaka animals

BHUBANESWAR: Plans are afoot to increase fodder plants in Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, on the outskirts of the city. They include medium-sized leafy plants and banana trees.
"Most trees in the sanctuary are tall and not accessible to animals. Deer and sambar can easily reach these medium-sized plants for fodder. We will take up plantation in vacant spaces," said DFO (Chandaka) Manoj Mohapatra.
Around 16,000 leafy plants would be planted in the sanctuary. "We have identified spots frequented by animals for the purpose. Since these plants grow fast, we hope to meet fodder requirement of animals in two years," he said.
The sanctuary authorities are also planning to sow 55,000 bamboo plants. "Around 16,000 plants would be planted per hectare. This will help maintain greenery in the sanctuary. Besides, we will launch a massive plantation drive under the state government's urban plantation programme," the DFO said.
Official sources said elephants consume lion's share of fodder in the sanctuary. "During rains, the number of elephants in the sanctuary increases to 50 as compared to 20-25 in other seasons as they prefer to stay put in the area," said an officer.
Authorities said improving greenery would also boost the eco-tourism project being taken up jointly by forest and tourism departments.