Bhubaneswar: The State Government has set up 214 Anti-Poaching Camp(APC)s and temporary platforms in Similipal wildlife sanctuary for prevention of poaching and other illegal encroachments, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia told Assembly today.
While 135 anti-poaching camps and temporary platforms have been set up in Similipal South Wildlife Sanctuary and 79 anti-poaching camps in Similipal North Wildlife Sanctuary, he said in a written statement to the House.
The state government is taking special steps to protect the rich biodiversity and wildlife of Similipal, which has been included in the Tiger Project since 1973, Shri Singkhuntia said.
Continuous financial support is being provided through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme-Project Tiger (CSS-PT scheme) for strengthening its infrastructure, he said.
Shri Singkhuntia said AI cameras, infrared cameras and trap cameras have been installed to monitor poachers and wildlife. A Similipal Special Tiger Protection Force (SSTPF) has been deployed to protect the rich diversity of trees and wildlife.
The Minister also informed that special vehicles have been provided for the officers to receive news regarding hunting and permanent wireless centers have been set up for data transmission.
S-WIN (Simlipal Wildlife Intelligence Network) has been specially formed to collect data on the poaching of prohibited wildlife, he stated.
In addition, permanent forest officials (forest officers, sub-forest officers, forest guards,), security assistants and retired army personnel have been deployed for their protection.
Modern weapons like INSAS, X-caliber rifles and automatic pistols have been provided to the forest officials to enhance security.
Steps are also being taken towards the protection of Similipal through the forest protection force and eco-development committee at the foot of Similipal (Buffer Zone), he added.
Fire lines are being created during the summer season to protect against fire. A special firefighting squad is being formed. M-Stripes and Phase-IV arrangements have been made to track the movement of tigers and other wild animals, he said, adding, extensive public awareness is being created among the people.
Grassland management, salt lick management and construction of water reservoirs etc. have been done to meet the food and drinking needs of the wildlife.
A Rapid Response Team has been formed to rescue wildlife. All the villages inside Similipal (except Bakua village) have been completely relocated to provide adequate space for the growth and movement of wildlife, Khuntia said.
Besides, a new tiger conservation plan has been approved for the next 10 years from 2023-24 to 2032-33 to fortify the wildlife conservation in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), he pointed out.
A tiger migration scheme is being implemented to bring tigers from outside the state to increase their number in Similipal and improve their genes.
A special JTF team comprising permanent forest personnel and police personnel has been formed to protect Similipal Tiger Reserve.
In the last 3 years, 103 wildlife crime cases have been registered in the STR, 255 poachers have been arrested and 57 guns have been seized, informed Minister.