MAHARASHTA
STATE GOVERNMENT DEPLOY 500 ARMED GUARDS AGAINST TIGER POACHING
Alarmed by the
deaths of two tigers in Maharashtra forest reserves, state Forest Minister
Patangrao Kadam Tuesday said that over 500 armed guards will be recruited for
four forest reserves of the state and will be given shoot at sight orders
against poachers. Kadam announced that 523 new guards will be recruited soon
and will be deployed at four forest reserves of the state -- Tadoba, Pench,
Melghat and Sahyadri. No action will be taken against those armed guards who
will shoot suspected poachers, he said.The minister lamented the fact that two
tigers died after they were caught in a steel trap and died in Tadoba forest
reserve in Chandrapur district.Kadam has also appointed a four-member committee
of experts to advise the government on steps to be taken for precautions
against poaching of tigers.
Steps have also
been taken to keep electricity supply in check as one of the reasons for deaths
of tigers has been electrocution. The irrigation department has also been
alerted to ensure maximum water holes.As many as 100 new patrol vehicles for
range officers have also been allotted. Teams of State Reserve Police Force
(SRPF) have been deployed in these forests.A secret fund of Rs.50 lakh has also
been sanctioned to give incentives to informers providing tips about smugglers
and poachers to the forest officials.
Prof. John
Kurakar
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