Bhubaneswar: In order to ensure protection of migratory birds and keep an eye on poachers, the Odisha government has decided to use drones over Chilika wildlife division this year.
The drones, which were used to track forest fire in the division during summer for the first time, proved successful in controlling and preventing the fire. Considering its success, the wildlife division took the decision to take the help of drones to protect the migratory birds visiting Chilika lake from October, said Chilika DFO Amlan Nayak.
“The protection of migratory birds visiting Asia’s largest brackish water lake is the top priority of the division. The poachers hunt these birds to sell their meat in hotels located in the areas around the lake. As the poaching continues despite several measures, we have decided to use drones to keep a watch not only on the birds but also the poachers,” he said.
The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) has identified the areas vulnerable to poaching. The drones would be used in most vulnerable areas from Soran in Tangi block to Satapada, he added.
“The drone will detect various means of bird hunting including nets, live electricity wires, poisoning of water sources. Those will be used mostly along the banks of the lake to prevent disruption in movement of the birds in their flying paths,” he said.
Besides, temporary security guards have been appointed like previous years and total 21 camps set up in the entire wildlife division. The camps have been directed to carry out patrolling strictly, particularly during early morning when the poaching is reportedly very high, Nayak said.