Centre Asks Odisha To Step Up Intelligence Network, Patrolling To Contain Poachers In STR

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav has written to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, asking the state government to step up intelligence network, patrolling and combing operations in Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha to contain activities of poachers.

Two officials have been killed by poachers in the past one month in Similipal National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

Stating that the high-level team, led by Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, MoEF&CC which visited STR, has submitted a detailed report highlighting issues requiring immediate attention, Yadav wrote, “I would like to state that utmost efforts are required to be in place for stepping up the intelligence network, patrolling, and combing operations to contain any such attempt which could further escalate the situation in Similipal Tiger Reserve.”

The Union Minister further stated that he is confident that the state government would take note of the concerns raised and issue directives to authorities concerned to ensure utmost vigil and compliance.

“I also assure our cooperation and continued support to your State for the cause of wildlife conservation and our forest frontline brave-hearts,” he added.

The Centre had earlier sent a team of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to support the state machinery.

Forester Mathy Hansda, 45, was shot dead by the poachers inside the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) during a confrontation and exchange of fire during patrolling on June 16 night, while forest guard Bimal Kumar Jena, 40, posted at Baunsakhala beat under Pithabata range in the core area of Similipal sanctuary was gunned down on May 22.