(IN): Manas cycle squads to counter poachers- - Park takes cue from army, to deploy guards on pedals in inaccessible areas

[Guest guest]

Link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071120/asp/guwahati/story_8568601.asp

 

*Manas cycle squads to counter poachers*

* - Park takes cue from army, to deploy guards on pedals in inaccessible

areas* PULLOCK DUTTA

 

*Guwahati, Nov. 19: *Taking a cue from the army's extensive use of bicycles

in counter-insurgency operations, Manas National Park has decided to deploy

" bicycle squads " in its anti-poaching drive inside the sanctuary and its

fringe areas.

 

The squad will be formally launched on November 25. The park authorities

have purchased 40 bicycles and intend to buy 40 more.

 

" We got the idea from the army which uses bicycle squads in its

counter-insurgency operations in remote areas which are not accessible by

vehicles. Why not try it to protect wildlife? " the field officer of the

national park, A. Sargayari, said.

 

He said several squads of forest guards would be formed to patrol the park

and its surrounding areas on bicycles. " These guards, like the soldiers,

will be armed with sophisticated weapons. "

 

The sight of army personnel, their SLRs and AK-series rifles slung across

their body, patrolling remote villages on bicycles is a common sight.

 

The army introduced the bicycles after it discovered that in the interior

areas where there are no roads, the simple machine yielded more horsepower

than the big and often cumbersome military trucks and jeeps.

 

Apart from bicycles, the park authorities have also purchased four

motorcycles so that the guards can give poachers a good chase if and when

the need arises.

 

The 500 square km national park currently employs 164 forest guards. Manas

was declared a sanctuary in 1928.

 

Though Manas had a sizeable rhino population, it was wiped out during the

peak of Bodo insurgency. Manas now has only three rhinos which were released

in the park after being rescued from floods in Kaziranga.

 

More rhinos will be shifted to the park in December-January as part of Rhino

Vision 2020, planned to increase the rhino population in the state.

 

" This time we do not want to take any chances. We are taking every possible

step to protect the animals, particularly the rhinos, " Sargayari said.

 

He said several new guard camps have been set up in the remote areas of the

park to give a fillip to the anti-poaching drive. " Roads are also being

built to facilitate movement of the guards, " he said.

 

 

--

Fight captive Jumbo abuse, end Elephant Polo

http://www.stopelephantpolo.com