(IN): KNP hit by poor work force

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Link: http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=aug1307/at07

 

KNP hit by poor work force

 

By Prabal Kr Das

GUWAHATI, Aug 12 – A handicapped strike force, with poor intelligence

network to bolster its anti-poaching activities, could sound the death knell

for a large number of wildlife in and around Kaziranga National Park in the

years ahead. This was revealed to *The Assam Tribune* by a senior official

of the Assam Forest department, when asked about the killing of an

increasing number of one-horned rhinos inside the protected area and in its

proximity.

 

This year alone, twelve rhinos have been killed by poachers – ten inside the

park and two in adjoining areas. This death toll is the highest recorded in

recent years. The last killing took place in the highlands of Karbi Anglong

in an area infested by Karbi militants, which hints at a new trend of rhino

poaching with tacit support from some militant groups.

 

The shortage of field personnel has been acutely felt in some areas inside

the park. In the north bank of the Brahmaputra, there is hardly any presence

of forest camps. Some other ranges inside the park require more personnel

and infrastructure.

 

There is more to the problem than just a staff shortage. " About than sixty

per cent of the frontline staff are past their prime, some are injured and

others ailing. They are definitely not suitable for active patrolling, and

yet they are the ones who have to confront poachers, " the official

mentioned.

 

He pointed out that for several years, there have been no substantial

induction of young forest personnel in Kaziranga even though the size of the

park has grown manifold from its original size.

 

The problem arising from the shortage of staff has been compounded by the

dearth of an effective intelligence-gathering network. Because the network

till now has been sustained by the Park Director and other senior officials,

their transfer away from the park creates an immediate vacuum, during which

poachers become active.

 

Some senior officials close to the park's management suggest that at least

some staff having longer tenures should be trained in maintaining an

intelligence network. They in turn should get in touch with people in

neighbouring areas who would keep an eye on the movement of suspected people

and report back.

 

Significantly, the availability of mobile communication inside Kaziranga has

also acted as an impediment to effective patrolling by the Forest department

personnel. " Earlier, we had the advantage of being connected through our

hand-held radio sets. Now the poachers, who at times also use radio sets,

are connected via mobile phones, " the official added.

 

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