January 17th 2025.
The authorities in Balasore and Baripada have taken a significant step to protect the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) from poachers. They have decided to deploy armed police forces to assist the forest personnel in patrolling the areas that are prone to poaching. This decision was made after the state Forest department suspected the killing of a melanistic tiger in November last year. The STR is home to the world's only population of 13 black-striped cats, making it a crucial habitat to protect.
The suspicion of the tiger's death was confirmed when four individuals were arrested on January 12 in Mayurbhanj district. The police found tiger skin and nail in their possession. In a similar incident, six others were apprehended in Balasore district for possessing the claws of the same tiger. Prakash Chand Gogineni, the field director of STR, stated that a total of 10 people have been arrested in connection with the death of the melanistic tiger. The poachers have confessed to killing a one-and-a-half-year-old tiger.
To ensure the safety of wildlife, the police have made elaborate arrangements to assist the forest officials. Two platoons of armed police force have been assigned to conduct joint patrolling and flag marches in sensitive villages near the STR. This measure will help to counter poaching activities in the area. Varun Guntupalli, the SP of Mayurbhanj, addressed the media in Baripada and stated that the armed police force will provide support to the forest officials.
At a press conference in Balasore, Satyajit Nayak, the DIG of Police Eastern Range, announced that specially trained armed police forces will be assisting the forest personnel in Balasore and Mayurbhanj forest divisions. These forces have undergone training to conduct patrolling and flag marches in the reserved areas. Moreover, modern IT tools and technologies have been deployed to prevent wildlife crimes. Over 180 locations have been installed with modern AI and infrared cameras to detect poachers and those involved in wildlife crimes.
Additionally, around 40 police personnel in Mayurbhanj and 50 in Bagudi range of Balasore have been given armed training to protect wildlife. This initiative by the authorities is a crucial step towards protecting the endangered species in the Similipal Tiger Reserve. The joint efforts of the armed police forces and forest officials will help safeguard the wildlife and preserve the natural habitat of the STR.
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