Extensive drive to curb illegal activities in Gomarda Sanctuary

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a bid to prevent illegal activities, the Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Chhattisgarh has launched an extensive drive in Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary under Sarangarh-Bilaigarh forest division. The drive is part of initiatives taken to further strengthen security measures in and around the sanctuary after a tiger got trapped on live wire set for wild bear. Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Forest Division, spans across numerous acres and is home to a variety of wild animals. The forest authorities have intensified surveillance efforts to prevent any harm to wildlife caused by electric wires. The Department is actively conducting night time patrols as part of a campaign against illegal activities in the sanctuary. Additionally, regular training programmes are being organised to enhance the capacity of field staff.

 

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sarangarh Ganesh UR, talking to ‘The Hitavada’, highlighted the various measures being taken for the protection of Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary. The Forest Department employees have conducted a survey to number all electric poles in sensitive areas, and continuous patrolling is underway to deter illegal activities such as hunting and hooking. The Department is closely monitoring over 1,300 electricity poles. Efforts to raise awareness among the local population in the sanctuary area are also going on, with frequent meetings held by departmental staff with public representatives and villagers. A joint project by the Electricity Department and the Forest Divisional Officer to cable open electric wires and bare conductors has been presented to the government. Work orders have been issued for installing mid-span poles to address sagging electric wires and ensure the safety of wild animals.

 

With a significant presence of wild animals in the sanctuary, the department is actively working to control poaching activities. Two dog squads, initiated by CCF (Wildlife) S Jagdeeshan and DFO Ganesh U R, are set to be deployed, enhancing the capability to combat forest and wildlife-related crimes. Two forest guards are undergoing training at the ITBP training center in Panchkula, Haryana. Since the establishment of Sarangarh-Bilaigarh as a new district, 25 persons involved in over five cases of illegal hunting have been arrested, reinforcing a sense of deterrence. Security measures in the sanctuary have been heightened, including increased forest patrolling and monitoring to prevent illegal activities. Over the past few months, a group of around 25 wild elephants is present in the Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary area. The safety of both the elephants and villagers is a top priority for the department, stated Ganesh.

 

The formation of Hathi Mitra Dal has provided employment to approximately ten local youths, contributing to elephant safety. The department is utilizing the latest technology for elephant safety, including tracking through drone cameras. Alerts about elephant presence in villages are communicated through the ODK app. To combat forest crime effectively, the informer and intelligence network system in Sarangarh Forest Division is being strengthened. The information system overall is undergoing improvements to enhance the division's capabilities, stated the DFO. A toll free number 07768-299221 has been started to promptly gather intelligence and information related to any kind of forest crime. The forest areas are being continuously patrolled by the forest staff so that no forest crimes of any nature occur.