Wildlife deaths in Telangana highlight data gaps, enforcement challenges
Hyderabad: An RTI application filed by activist Robin Zaccheus has revealed that Telangana recorded 135
wildlife crime
cases between 2014 and 2024, a small fraction of the 6,877 cases reported nationwide during the same period.
Uttar Pradesh topped the national chart with 817 cases, followed by West Bengal (785), Tamil Nadu, and Haryana.The decade-long data, provided by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), highlights a troubling trend in Telangana.
In 2023 alone, the state recorded 52 wildlife deaths—the highest in the past ten years. The number dropped to 23 in 2024, while poaching cases stood at four in 2023 and one in 2024.Accidental wildlife deaths in Telangana also included train collisions, with three reported in 2023 and one so far in 2024. Over the decade, 12 wildlife deaths due to other types of accidents were documented in the state, contributing to the nationwide total of 485. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest number of such fatalities.Lack of transparency Reacting to the data, Zaccheus expressed concern over the WCCB's limited disclosures and lack of concrete action. He criticised the agency for repeatedly dismissing queries related to electrocution, habitat loss, and whistleblower complaints, either claiming the issues were 'not pertaining to WCCB' or rejecting the requests under section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.Despite alarming trends, including 461 elephant electrocutions nationwide between 2009 and 2017, and 49 elephants killed in train accidents between 2016 and 2018—activists say there has been no major policy shift or investment in preventive infrastructure. Zaccheus also raised concern over the persistently low conviction rate, reportedly hovering around 2% between 2012 and 2018 for wildlife crimes.Calling for urgent intervention, he demanded the creation of a public database of all wildlife deaths, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and increased accountability in infrastructure development that affects wildlife habitats and corridors.Authorities respondTelangana chief wildlife warden Elusin Meru acknowledged the challenges, especially in Kagaznagar, a key tiger corridor where multiple species cross railway lines."There are currently two railway lines, and a third one is under construction. Earlier, there were no proper underpasses. Now, we are insisting on building underpasses to ensure safe passage for animals. The third broad gauge line is under assessment, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority along with the Wildlife Institute of India is expected to visit and evaluate the situation," he said.On the issue of poaching, Meru added: "We are strengthening intelligence and surveillance systems. Camera traps are being used to monitor movement related to poaching. While the anti-poaching squad is based in Hyderabad, we also have operational squads in Nirmal and Amrabad, along with flying squad teams to respond to emerging threats."
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