Bhubaneswar: To make Chandaka-Dampara sanctuary a safe haven for elephants and other wildlife animals, a combing operation involving 450 CRPF personnel and Forest Department officials was launched in the sanctuary today.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Wildlife Susanta Nanda kicked off the massive exercise, which will be conducted inside the entire forest area of the Chandaka-Dampara sanctuary in a period of 12 days.
“On our request, CRPF IG has sent 450 personnel to Chandaka-Dampara sanctuary as part of the jungle warfare training. Forest Department officials will also be a part of this exercise which will be carried out for 12 days,” PCCF Shri Nanda said.
The combing operation will benefit the Forest Department in making the wildlife sanctuary free from poachers and timber mafia, he added.
The PCCF Wildlife has also indicated that similar operations will also be carried out in Satkosia and Similipal tiger reserves for protection of the forests and wildlife.
Nanda said the Forest Department will write to the Central government to carry out such training at Satkosia and Similipal tiger reserves soon.
Earlier, an anti-poaching drive was launched by Odisha Police in Similipal Tiger Reserve and took strong action against the poachers and other persons who are assisting the poachers. The Police had seized several guns and other poaching materials during the special drive.