(IN): Orissa wants CRPF batallion to guard Similipal Tiger Reserve

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**Orissa wants CRPF batallion to guard Similipal Tiger Reserve*

28 May 2009, 1837 hrs IST, PTI

 

NEW DELHI: With majority of forest guards refusing to join duty at the

Similipal Tiger Reserve in the wake of an attack by Naxalites, Orissa has

sought deployment of a CRPF battalion for the protection of the park which

is home to around 32 striped cats besides other felines.

 

The state is facing acute infrastructural problem in the tiger reserve in

Mayurbhanj district following the attack on offices of State forest

department and vital police communication installation there on March 23.

 

" Most of the staff posted in the core area inside the tiger reserve have

left their headquarters, causing deep concern about protection of forest and

wildlife, " state chief secretary A K Tripathy said in a letter to the

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

 

He further said since the special task protection force (STPF), as envisaged

by the home minister, was yet to be constituted, a CRPF battalion should be

immediately considered to keep poachers at bay.

 

" In case it takes time to create the STPF, a CRPF battalion can be deployed

as an interim measure given that additional force is required in view of the

recent attacks and prevailing tense situation, " Tripathy said.

 

Though there are no reports of poaching of tigers, there are fears that the

criminals might connive with the Naxalites for anti-wildlife activities.