Baripada, March 2: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Sunday inaugurated a mini-marathon aimed at raising awareness for the conservation of the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district.
During his two-day visit to the district, Majhi participated in the "Run for Similipal" by running a short distance alongside Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, who was also present at the event.
Majhi emphasized the global significance of the Similipal biosphere, stating that the marathon was organized to promote its conservation and protection. Over 900 students took part in the 10-km mini-marathon, which began in Jashipur, near Baripada in Mayurbhanj.
Similipal, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, covers 2,750 square kilometers and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The reserve boasts numerous plant species, 96 types of orchids, and serves as a sanctuary for 42 species of mammals, 242 bird species, and 30 reptile varieties.
Among its inhabitants are rare melanistic tigers, Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, sambar, barking deer, gaur, jungle cats, wild boar, four-horned antelopes, and giant squirrels.
