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Time of India
03-08-2025
- Time of India
Over 1,000 country-made guns seized from poachers in Similipal in 2 yers: Officials
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Wildlife authorities have seized more than 1,000 country-made guns from poachers in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) and thwarted the majority of poaching attempts in the past two years, officials said on Sunday. "This extensive seizure of weapons demonstrates our commitment to protecting wildlife in the reserve," Similipal field director Prakash Gogineni said. Gogineni added that since the weapons are made from locally available materials, the poachers hardly bother about their weapons being seized. A gun can be made spending only Rs 4,000 and its bullets are not ones used in firearms. They are made of balls of the bearings of motorcycles and when hit, they pierce the animals, killing them instantly. On Saturday, five poachers were apprehended and three guns were seized during the operation. The five were identified as Kanhu Jamda Singh (30), Debendra Singh (20), Samonath Singh (35), Pradeep Singh (31) and Goura Singh (24). "Our proactive approach has significantly reduced poaching incidents in the area. What is more important in combating poaching is to check the propensity of adjoining villagers to hunt animals," Gogineni added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo STR has intensified its drive against poaching after a range officer and a forest guard were killed in 2023. On July 12, wildlife personnel arrested nine poachers and seized six country-made guns in a crackdown following the birth of three melanistic tiger cubs recently. AI-based cameras assisted the wildlife wing in nabbing the hunters. "Thanks to AI cameras keeping an eye on the poachers, we get inputs," Gogineni added. In previous cases, poaching arrests were made in a phased manner as AI-based trails provided evidence of the poachers' past trespassing and analysis of their images led to arrests, officials said. Besides, police have confiscated 300 guns in the past two years in an ongoing special drive at STR. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Hans India
30-06-2025
- Hans India
Similipal to close for tourists from July 1
Baripada: TheSimilipal Tiger Reserve will be closed for tourists from July 1 because of monsoon, an official order said on Sunday. In a notification, STR Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni stated that the exact date for reopening of the national park would be announced later. However, the ecotourism complex at Jamuani, Gurgudia, Kumari, Barehipani and Ramtirtha will remain open for tourists, he said. Gogineni said in all 38,483 tourists, including 12 foreigners, visited Similipal in 2024-2025, generating a revenue of Rs 4.26 crore. 'While Rs 1.22 crore was earned from jungle safaris, Rs 2.75 crore was collected from nature camps inside the national park and Rs 29 lakh from entry permits,' he said. Spread over 2,750 square kilometres, the reserve has a variety of plant species and 96 types of orchids. It is also home to 42 species of mammals, 242 varieties of birds and 30 reptile categories.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Year-round rations help boost tiger force morale, curb poaching: Similipal director
Bhubaneswar: Providing rations to the 800-strong protection force throughout the year, the only reserve in the country to do so, has helped raise motivation levels and reduce poaching cases, authorities of Similipal Tiger Reserve said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Started last year, the initiative costs the forest department Rs 1.8 crore annually. "While the initiative has significantly reduced poaching, it has also improved staff attendance and morale. The protection team, comprising Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) personnel, ex-Army members and protection assistants, has shown improved commitment to their duties through the unique measure. Monthly, we spend around Rs 1,800 per personnel towards ration costs. The field personnel are able to get better nutrition, keep fatigue at bay, maintain energy and work on a timely basis. There is hardly any instance of unauthorised leave," said Similipal field director Prakash Gogineni. Authorities said Similipal used to report at least five poaching and attempted poaching cases a month, which has now dropped to one. "Apart from sincerity, loyalty and raised motivation levels of staff because of free rations, the use of technology, especially AI and infra-red cameras, introduction of all-terrain vehicles and firearms, have helped check poaching incidents," Gogineni added. Wildlife officials said there is not a single patch in the 2,750sq km area of Similipal which is inaccessible now, thanks to technology, staff welfare and high-end vehicles. In monsoon, the wildlife wing used to deploy a separate strategy for foot patrolling as most of the forest routes were inhospitable. Now, the situation has changed. "In all the anti-poaching and STPF camps, there are cooks and mess leaders who plan the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now An experienced staffer among them does the cooking. They stock up the groceries for a week. Since it is hilly terrain, groceries have to be brought in small trucks to the camps. When the forest department was not providing rations, the field staff used to get tired while negotiating the hilly terrain," said a wildlife officer. Each STPF team has 25 personnel, comprising 5 from STPF, 5 ex-Army and 15 protection assistants, who are not regular employees. Mostly, they carry out patrolling along the footpaths in the deep forest where poachers operate. However, each team has been provided with a specialised ATV. They carry walkie-talkies but the control room or their base camps receive distress calls from the field personnel in case of lightning or if they are attacked by poachers, wildlife officials said.
India Today
21-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
The summer skin regime: How to stay fresh and youthful
There's no denying it's going to be a cruel summer. With temperatures rising already, skin woes follow close behind. 'Summer is here and so is the risk of skin damage. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to dehydration, premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and even more severe concerns such skin cancer,' shares Dr Madhurya Gogineni, dermatologist at the Hyderabad-based Zennara exposure depletes the skin's moisture levels and breaks down collagen. 'This leads to fine lines, wrinkles and the skin sagging,' says Dr Gogineni. Ultraviolet rays cause oxidative stress, triggering inflammation and irritating the skin's natural barrier. 'Dehydration further exacerbates these effects, making the skin appear dull,' she key to reversing sun damage is a simple one. 'A combination of hydration, repair and protection,' says Dr Gogineni. Her summer survival tips:Hydrating and soothing facialsFacials help you glow, and if done right can reduce signs of ageing. 'Professional facials with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid or vitamin C can help replenish moisture and soothe irritated skin,' says Dr Gogineni, adding: 'Treatments such as oxygen facials infuse the skin with hydration while peels gently exfoliate and brighten a dull complexion.' Chemical peelsFor many, a chemical peel will give their face a new look, but there are others who don't like the accompanying redness and other issues. According to Dr Gogineni, mild chemical peels containing glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid can remove damaged layers, improve skin tone and stimulate collagen production. 'These treatments help fade sun spots and give a smoother texture,' she therapy'Laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, target hyperpigmentation and stimulate skin regeneration. Pico laser is another effective option for reducing sun-induced redness and dark spots,' says Dr Gogineni. That said, it is important to consult a doctor before opting for this serumsA good way to tackle sun damage is to neutralise the free radicals. This can be done via serums infused with Vitamin C, niacinamide and ferulic acid. 'They help repair sun-induced oxidative damage,' says Dr and recoveryDr Gogineni recommends hyaluronic acid as it is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, keeping the skin plump and hydrated. 'Apply it to damp skin for maximum absorption,' says Dr Gogineni. You can also try niacinamide, which strengthens the skin barrier and reduces steps to a brighter you'Harsh cleansers strip the skin's natural oils, making sun damage worse. Opt for a sulfate-free, hydrating cleanser that cleans without over-drying,' says the doctor. Next, she advises to never skip sunscreen. 'Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily to protect your skin from further damage. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating,' says Dr forget to drink plenty of water and eat hydrating foods. Remember, hydration starts from within. 'Increase your water intake and eat water-rich foods such as cucumbers, watermelon and oranges to support skin hydration,' she sun damage can take a toll on the skin, it's never too late to start the healing process. A combination of skin treatments and a solid at-home skincare routine can help restore your skin's health and radiance,' says Dr Gogineni. By prioritising hydration, nourishment and sun protection, you can keep your skin looking fresh and youthful all summer to India Today MagazineMust Watch
