Berhampur, November 1: In a major wildlife rescue operation during Cyclone Arnab, the Berhampur Forest Division rescued 10 blackbucks from flood-affected Balia village under Khalikote Range, highlighting the importance of advance preparedness and coordinated emergency response in protecting wildlife during natural disasters.

The animals were provided necessary veterinary care and, following fitness certification, safely released into a suitable forest habitat near Bania village under Chikiti Beat of Khalikote section.

The rescue was part of an extensive preparedness plan put in place by the forest division ahead of the cyclone, with a strong focus on wildlife protection and public safety. A dedicated divisional control room, along with round-the-clock control rooms at all four forest ranges, was established to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency operations.

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Prioritising wildlife protection, the Berhampur Forest Division had put in place an extensive emergency response mechanism ahead of Cyclone Arnab, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring, coordinated rescue operations and prompt restoration of access to affected areas.

As part of its preparedness measures, a dedicated control room was established at the divisional level to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency response 24 hours a day. Similar control rooms were made operational across all four forest ranges to strengthen ground-level surveillance and ensure swift action during emergencies.

Emergency response teams comprising Range Officers and frontline forest personnel were constituted across the four ranges, with support and coordination from the Sub-Collector/SDM, Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) and other concerned agencies. The teams closely monitored wildlife movement and remained prepared to intervene wherever animals were found stranded or in distress.

The coordinated efforts also facilitated the clearance of roads blocked by fallen trees, restoration of accessibility to affected locations and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation operations.