(IN): Probe report on tiger deaths gathering dust at WCCB

June 3, 2009

rt-on-tiger-deaths-gathering-dust-at-WCCB-/articleshow/4605505.cms

Probe report on tiger deaths gathering dust at WCCB

1 Jun 2009, 2225 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is yet to forward a

probe report on reasons behind the spate of tiger deaths in barely

three months

since November in Kaziranga sanctuary in Assam, which is holding up further

action on the matter.

" We are waiting for the report from the WCCB. Further action in the matter

will be based on the findings of the report, " a senior official in

environment ministry said.

Concerned over the deaths, the ministry had constituted a three-member team

comprising wildlife expert R K Samal and two WCCB officials in March to

probe possible involvement of organized gangs in the killings.

This was for the first time that the WCCB since its inception last year had

been entrusted with such a sensitive task.

However, sources said the file containing the probe report is gathering dust

with the Bureau even as the team returned by the end of March after

gathering all details about deaths.

Reacting strongly to the delay in submitting the report, Rajesh Gopal,

member secretary of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) said it

only indicates the " apathy " of the officials regarding wildlife

conservation.

" Delay is uncalled for. The report needs to be submitted at the earliest to

take corrective steps to prevent further deaths in the national park, " Gopal

added.

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