KOCHI: Stung by the unbridled poaching of wild elephants, the Forest Department has initiated steps to fortify wildlife habitats, including elephant passes, by installing security cameras at vital points and by enhancing overall security in forests.
Speaking to ‘Express’, senior officials said the Forest Department had strengthened the anti-poaching squad and formed around two dozen camps in various forest divisions across the State for patrolling activities. “The field staff have been provided with wireless sets and weapons to conduct armed trekking in sensitive areas. The CCTV surveillance system installed in the forest for tiger protection has been strengthened with additional cameras, in view of the threat to the other wildlife animals,” they said.
The officers have also been told to conduct participatory programmes with community involvement to keep vigil on trespassers and poachers. In addition, the Department will soon conduct a full-fledged awareness drive, especially among tribesmen,” said the officials.
A senior officer told ‘Express’ that patrolling and community awareness programmes were being conducted effectively in the Northern Circle of the State, where cases of elephant poaching are almost ‘nil’ compared to the Central Circle, where remnants of the carcasses of 17 elephants hunted down by notorious poacher Aikkaramattom Vasu were recovered.
The timing of the security enhancement assumes significance as traditionally, wildlife activity is very high in the post-monsoon period. Meanwhile, the Forest Department’s proposal to hold a CBI investigation into the elephant poaching case is still awaiting clearance from the Home Department.
The Department sought CBI investigation after the alleged involvement of bigwigs in illegal ivory trade came to the fore.