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Time of India
11-08-2025
- Time of India
Plan to re-train forest personnel in weapons handling
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Following the killing of a forest guard in May by poachers using a pump-action gun carried by him, the wildlife wing of the forest department has planned to re-train all its personnel possessing various firearms. Experts attributed the death to mishandling of the gun by the forest guard. The department provided all personnel with firearms last year after poachers killed two forest personnel in Similipal Tiger Reserve in 2023. "After the firearms were given to forest personnel, they received some training from police. But that is not enough. While periodical training is necessary for gun handling, we want to carry it out soon. We have had initial discussions with the home department. Proper training will ensure that the guns are not misused by poachers and are mostly used as a deterrent," said a top wildlife officer. Initially, forest personnel used weapons owned by police such as pistols, revolvers and .303 rifles during their training. After the new weapons were received, they received another round of training. Four types of guns — 9mm pistol (automatic), pistol, 5.56mm Excalibur rifle(equivalent in lethality to Insas), and pump-action gun — have been given to forest personnel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Georgia: Kitchen Remodeling Trends in 2025 May Surprise You Kitchen Remodeling | Search ads Search Now Undo While pistol is allowed to be used by deputy range officers and above rank, the Excalibur is for use by Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) personnel. Pump-action guns were given to forest guards and foresters. "For handling new guns, the personnel received three-day weapons training apart from training on tackling crisis situations. Altogether, 40 personnel in Similipal received training. They will get further training along with others in their respective districts from police," the officer added. At least 10 years after the STPF was raised, its personnel received weapons training. They now trek the forest and track poachers with just sticks. A handful of them carry double-barrel firearms. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Indian Express
Wild animal attacks: 21 people killed in four months in Maharashtra
As many as 21 people were killed in attacks by wild animals in Maharashtra between January and April this year, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik informed the Legislative Assembly on Friday. During the same period, the state also recorded the deaths of 22 tigers and 40 leopards due to various causes, including natural deaths, accidents, electrocution and poaching. In a written reply to the House, Naik said 13 tigers died of natural causes, four were electrocuted, and four others died in road or rail accidents or by falling into open wells. One tiger death was recorded under unknown causes. Among the 40 leopard deaths reported during the same four-month period, 20 were due to accidents involving roads, railways or open wells, eight died of natural causes, three were poached, and nine deaths remain unexplained. Naik added that 61 other wild animals also died in the state during this period. Of these, 23 succumbed to natural causes, four were electrocuted, four were hunted down, while 24 died either in stray dog attacks or after falling into open wells. Six animal deaths were listed under unknown causes. 'During January to April 2025, 21 persons died following attacks by wild animals,' Naik stated. Between January 2022 and December 2024, the state recorded 107 tiger deaths and a total of 707 wild animal deaths due to various reasons, the minister said. While responding to questions from members including Dhananjay Munde, Santosh Danve, Manoj Jamsutkar, Sudhir Mungantiwar and Sunil Prabhu, Naik said that although the number of animal deaths remains a concern, the rise in wildlife populations reflects successful conservation efforts. He said wild animals often migrate in search of new habitat, contributing to biodiversity and that efforts to prevent conflict and protect wildlife are ongoing. These include the deployment of Special Tiger Protection Force (TPF) teams, district-level informants, wireless surveillance systems, and cyber cell operations at Melghat Tiger Reserve. The state has also operationalised helpline number 1926 for reporting forest crimes like poaching, illegal encroachment and deforestation. The Maharashtra Compensation for Loss, Injury or Damage caused by Wild Animals Act, 2023, in effect since January 30 this year, ensures timely and efficient compensation for victims affected by wildlife incidents, Naik said.
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.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Union min launches gharial conservation plan at Katarniaghat
Bahraich: Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, Bhupender Yadav , inaugurated the Gharial Species Conservation Programme by releasing seven young gharials into the Gerua river in Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary. The event marked a significant step in the conservation of the critically endangered reptile species. During a boat safari, the minister observed dolphins, otters, and gharials in their natural habitat. He described the experience as "unforgettable" and praised Katarniaghat as a unique blend of grasslands, woodlands, and flowing river landscapes, offering breathtaking natural beauty. Yadav emphasized the ecological importance of forests and wildlife, calling them the "natural heritage of the Earth" that help maintain ecological balance and enrich human life. He highlighted India's rich biodiversity and called for community-based conservation approaches. During his visit to Dudhwa tiger reserve and interactions with public representatives, forest officials, NGOs, and villagers, the minister received 25–30 suggestions for improving forest and wildlife conservation. He announced that these suggestions would be incorporated into a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict and ensuring sustainable coexistence. Yadav also reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for community-driven development and healthy environments. He urged the public to contribute to environmental preservation by planting at least one tree in their name. The minister held discussions with members of the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), distributed jungle patrol kits, and was shown a documentary on Katarniaghat. He also participated in a session on innovative community engagement strategies to involve local communities in forest and tribal conservation efforts. Key topics during the presentation by the divisional forest officer (DFO) included human-wildlife conflict mitigation, community engagement strategies, wildlife rescue operations, CSR based lighting installations in forest-adjacent areas. The minister concluded his visit by touring the NIC facility and signing the feedback wall, affirming the govt commitment to preserving India's unique ecosystems. Senior officials including principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri, additional principal chief conservator (project tiger) Lalit Verma, and Dudhwa field director H. Rajamohan were present on the occasion.
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
4 ‘illegal' mazars demolished in forest area in Bahraich district
The state forest department, in an operation with the Bahraich district administration and the district police, demolished four old mazars (shrines) located in the Murthia Range of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, citing 'illegal construction on forest land.' Forest department officers said that the shrines were situated within a protected area and classified them as 'encroachments'. Among the four demolished shrines was the Dargah of Hazrat Sayyed Mohammad Hashim Ali Shah, also known as Lakkad Shah Baba, where fairs had been regularly organised in the past. Recently, the forest department denied permission for the fair there, following which the shrine management committee raised an objection. Forest officers said that permission was denied because the proposed fair site falls within the core area of the forest, where public access is 'strictly prohibited'. The other three shrines — Bhavar Shah, Chaman Shah, and Shahenshah — which were demolished were located in the range of around half-a-kilometre. The demolition began on Sunday night and continued until Monday morning. On Sunday night, a large-scale operation was launched by the forest department with support from the local police and administration. Heavy police presence, including personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary, was deployed at the site. Public access was restricted, and bulldozers were used to demolish all four shrines. Forest officers said that access to the area was limited due to the risk of wildlife attacks. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, B Shivshankar said the forest court had declared the structures as 'encroachments on forest land'. Forest staff, Special Tiger Protection Force, local police, and Provincial Armed Constabulary have been deployed at the site, he said. Asked why mediapersons were kept off the site, Shivshankar said, 'The area falls in a jungle zone where the presence of wild animals could lead to human-wildlife conflict, hence access was restricted.' District Magistrate Monika Rani, however, directed that mediapersons may be allowed limited access to the site under the forest officials' supervision. According to the forest department, in response to the notice issued by the forest department, the shrine committee objected and submitted documents claiming the land was Waqf property. To support their claim, the shrine committee presented documents showing that the land was registered with the Waqf Board in 1986. However, forest department officials claimed that the committee failed to provide any proof of ownership prior to 1986, while the Indian Forest Act predates that registration. The DFO said the construction was determined to be an encroachment on forest land. An eviction order was issued on June 5 and when the encroachment was not removed voluntarily, a demolition drive was carried out last night. Secretary of the shrine committee, Esrar Ahmed, claimed that the Lakkad Shah Baba shrine was nearly 1,000 years old and that gatherings were held every Friday, along with a Basant Panchami fair attended by people from across the district and beyond. He added that the committee received a notice from the Forest Tribunal on April 30, declaring the land on which the shrines stood as 'forest land' and terming the structures as 'encroachments'.
