The tribals of Mayurbhanj take part in an archery competition at Bahalda on the occasion of Akhand Shikar. Telegraph picture

Baripada, April 24: A group of local youths of tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district with an aim to protect the wildlife against poachers organised a two-day archery competition in association with the forest department in Bahalda.

The competition was organised on the foothill at the buffer zone of the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary.

A forest department official said the event had not only helped in diverting the tribal people’s attention from poaching, but also enhanced awareness among them.

The event was held at a time when the tribal people generally enter forests in groups for the akhand shikar (mass-hunting) ritual, which is observed during Maha Viushuva Sankranti.

More than 2,000 participants, in the age group between 18 and 35, from villages namely Bahalda, Rangamatia, Belpal, Girish Chandrapur, Hinjal Gadia and Lamba Sahi took part in the competition.

As many as 35 winners were awarded after the contest ended. While the first prize was a motorbike, other lucrative prizes included LCD TV and electronic gadgets.

Mangal Lohar, president of the youth club that organised the event, said: “We have been organising the event for the past three years. Every year, the participation is increasing, and this year, about 2,300 persons took part in the event.”

“The participants proved their skills. Further, a lot of visitors enjoyed the event and encouraged the participants,” he said.

Dukura forest range officer Batakrushna Padhi said: “This was the fourth year of such event. The local forest protection assistants engaged by the forest department, too, actively took part in organising the event.”

“The self-motivated youths of the club, who depend mainly on farming, organised the archery competition, helping a lot in curbing the menace of poaching,” he said.

Baripada divisional forest officer Sanjay Swain said: “Through this platform the forest personnel come closer to the local people. During the occasion, we spread awareness about protecting wildlife.”