Bhubaneswar: To strengthen patrolling in reserved forest areas, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Home, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Satyabrata Sahu today flagged off 15 customized patrolling vehicles from Bharatpur forest division here.
ACS Shri Sahu lauded efforts of State Wildlife Organization’s effort and MCL’s contribution in this regard.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda and other senior forest officers were present at the program.
While 12 customised vehicles have been rolled out for patrolling in Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Angul district, one each patrolling vehicle has been deployed for Kapilas, Chandaka and Balukhand wildlife sanctuaries. The patrolling vehicles equipped with modern technology and fully loaded for off-ride driving have been funded by MCL as part of its CSR initiative.
Speaking to media persons, ACS Shri Sahu said the State Government has always wanted to protect biodiversity, environment and wildlives. In this move, the patrolling vehicles have been flagged off today. He thanked MCL for supporting the initiative.
In coming days, such facilities will also be rolled out in other wildlife sanctuaries like Debrigarh, informed the ACS.
Similarly, PCCF Wildlife, Shri Nanda said the customized vehicles will be deployed at range offices for patrolling.
The four-wheel drive vehicles have been modified to suit the working environment inside the forests and carry out duty in all conditions, he said, adding it will help forest officers traverse steep ghat roads as well as muddy dirt roads during any weather condition. The PCCF said the vehicles also have space to rescue wild animals.
“Strengthening of Range staff will provide the much needed capacity for protection of our wildlife. ACS FE& CC department flagged of 15 vehicles for all the Ranges of Satkosia TR, Kapilas, Balukhand & Chandaka Dampada Wildlife sanctuary. Special gratitude to MCL for the vehicles,” PCCF Shri Nanda said on X.
Earlier, the State Wildlife Authority has deployed 14 customized multi-utility vehicles in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) which is helping to fight against poachers and smugglers.
Thanks to innovative approach of PCCF Wildlife Shri Nanda, State Wildlife Organization has been effectively enhanced patrolling of the Tiger Reserves and National Parks.