Bhubaneswar, Mar 19 (UNI) : A new Tiger Conservation Plan has been approved for the next ten years, from 2023-24 to 2032-33, to strengthen wildlife conservation in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha’s Minister of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, said.
Presenting a report on the protection of Similipal in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday, Singhkhuntia stated that the State Government is taking special measures to safeguard the rich biodiversity and wildlife of Similipal, which has been part of the Project Tiger initiative since 1973.
He mentioned that AI-powered cameras, infrared cameras, and trap cameras have been installed to monitor poachers and wildlife. Additionally, the Similipal Special Tiger Protection Force (SSTPF) has been deployed to protect the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
Furthermore, permanent forest officials, including forest officers, sub-forest officers, forest guards, and security assistants, as well as retired army personnel, have been engaged to enhance protection efforts.
The Minister added that conservation measures are being implemented through the Forest Protection Force and Eco-Development Committee in the buffer zone of Similipal.
Special vehicles have been provided for officers to receive real-time information about illegal hunting, and permanent wireless centers have been set up for efficient data transmission. The Simlipal Wildlife Intelligence Network (S-WIN) has been specially established to collect data on poaching activities involving protected wildlife.
The Minister reported that 135 anti-poaching camps and temporary platforms have been set up in the Similipal South Wildlife Sanctuary, while 79 anti-poaching camps have been established in the Similipal North Wildlife Sanctuary to prevent poaching and illegal encroachments.
Modern weapons such as INSAS rifles, X-caliber rifles, and automatic pistols have been provided to forest officials to enhance security.
Additionally, firebreaks are being created during the summer season to prevent wildfires, and a special firefighting squad has been formed. The M-Stripes and Phase-IV monitoring systems have been implemented to track the movement of tigers and other wild animals.
The Minister emphasized that extensive public awareness campaigns are being conducted. Grassland management, salt lick management, and the construction of water reservoirs have been undertaken to meet the food and water requirements of wildlife.
A Rapid Response Team has been formed to facilitate wildlife rescue operations.
All villages inside Similipal, except Bakua village, have been fully relocated to provide adequate space for wildlife to thrive.
Singhkhuntia also revealed that a tiger migration scheme is being implemented to introduce tigers from outside the state, thereby increasing their population and improving genetic diversity.
To further protect Similipal Tiger Reserve, a special Joint Task Force (JTF), comprising permanent forest personnel and police officers, has been formed.
The Minister concluded by stating that, over the past three years, 103 wildlife crime cases have been registered in Similipal Tiger Reserve, leading to the arrest of 255 poachers and the seizure of 57 firearms. (UNI)
Odisha approves a new Tiger Conservation Plan for ten years for Similipal Tiger Reserve – Minister
