Bhubaneswar: In another move to make Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) a poaching free zone, State Wildlife Organization has launched customized vehicles for movement of frontline staff for patrolling in all corners of the tiger reserve.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden Susanta Nanda said STR is famous for its tigers and elephants. It alone is the home of 90% tiger, 16% leopards and 25% elephants of Odisha. Similipal is the only home of an actively breeding population of unique melanistic tigers in the world.
There are many species of rare, endangered, threatened and vulnerable plants and animals. Mahaseer, Hornbill, Chowsingha, Mouse deer, Giant. Squirrel, Flying squirrel, Ruddy mongoose, Mugger crocodile and Rufus tailed hare are examples of this unique biodiversity, he said.
Similipal is the 61h largest Tiger Reserve of the country in terms of geographical extent and is one of the densest in terms of forest cover. Many hills in Similipal like Meghaseni, Khairibiru, etc. reach beyond 1100 m. elevation.
Further, the STR has 1011.5 kms length of road network connecting 214 anti-poaching camps, 16 watchtowers, 19 check posts, monitoring and protection of wild tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserve is a daunting task due to presence of innumerable hills, perennial streams and inaccessible roads, the PCCF said.
Therefore, customized vehicles are a necessity for movement of frontline staff, transportation of camp equipment, provisions for the staff as well as for carrying out patrolling at night during which the wild animals pose risk to life of the frontline staff, he said.
“This is more evident during the monsoons. Due to the stringent protection measures, the poachers attack the frontline staff with their weapon which lead to martyrdom of two bravehearts of the Forest Department in the recent past, Shri Nanda stated.
Stating that Similipal has the potential to restock tiger population in the eastern region of the Central-India landscape in general and the forests of Odisha, the PCCF Wildlife said effective protection of tiger reserve will foster a viable tiger population with long term survival.
The ongoing present tiger estimation by the state is encouraging with establishment of source population. So, the Government has been pleased to allow 14 Bolero Campers for Similipal Tiger Reserve Foundation with support of Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).
He said the Bolero Campers have been modified to suit the working environment inside the forests Similipal and efficiently carry out protection duty in all conditions.
The 4 WD (four-wheel drive) will enable the movement of frontline staff for traversing the steep ghat roads as well as muddy dirt roads during the monsoons.
The vehicles are fitted with winches which would be helpful in rescue operations especially during monsoons, remote controlled movable search light has been fitted over the vehicles to see all directions at night, the vehicles have been painted with olive green colour to camouflage with the forest to evade easy detection by poachers, seats and along with hood has been provided in the back to accommodate maximum frontline staff for protection, etc.
The vehicles will be deployed in the sensitive areas especially in the core area for use by Similipal Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), Joint Task Force (JTF) and other Frontline staff for protection duty, Shri Nanda informed.
