Impact of mining activities on odonates diversity in adjacent villages of Balaram open cast project, Talcher, Angul, Odisha, India

In the present study an attempt has been made to study the regimen of Odonates in peripheral villages of Balaram Open Cast Project (OCP), Talcher, Angul, Odisha. A total number of 1604 Odonates belonging to 6 families and 34 species under two sub-orders (Anisoptera and Zygoptera) were recorded during the entire study period. Shannon - Weiner index (H’) was 2 .65 in Bhalugadia village, followed by 2.73 in Malibandha village, 2. 62 in Natada village and 2.68 in Nakeipasi village. Margalef’s richness (Dmg) index found to be 3.62 in Bhalugadia, 3.52 in Malibandha, 4.43 in Natada and 2.68 in Nakeipasi village. The presence of Odonates is easily perceived from this study that shows that ecosystem health is proportionate to Odonate diversity. Swap nets and dragon fly traps were used for sampling in the revegetation and un-mined area, but the variation in abundance and diversity among the four areas was statistically insignificant. Hence revegetation can restore the biodiversity and also the population of Odonates belonging to various families. In toto, mined areas should be ecologically restored, so that rich diversity of these elegant insects can be conserved.