(a) whether the Government proposes to expand the existing two Elephant Reserves of Odisha;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Asian Nature Conservation Federation (ANCF) has suggested that there is a need for the expansion of both the Sambalpur Elephant Reserve and the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve area;
(d) if so, whether the Government has examined such suggestions; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a)to(e) The State of Odisha has three Elephant Reserves, namely, Mahanadi Elephant Reserve, Sambalpur Elephant Reserve and Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. The Asian Nature Conservation Foundation (ANCF) has suggested for the expansion of both the Sambalpur Elephant Reserve and the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve for long term survival and conservation of elephant population in Odisha. No proposal has been received by the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change for expansion of Mahanadi and Sambalpur Elephant Reserves from Government of Odisha.
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