Udhagamandalam: The periodicity of census operations in wildlife sanctuaries and forest divisions would be increased, according to the Conservator of Forests, P.C. Tyagi.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, he said that till now the census was conducted annually. Henceforth, it would be seasonal. The decision follows the confidence gained by the Forest Department from the successful manner in which such operations were conducted recently with the help of volunteers, particularly students. Thanks to the availability of trained manpower, the King's method of conducting the census operations which is now in vogue in various places would be adopted here.

Stating that the department now has a list of trained volunteers, he said that their services would be utilised as and when necessary.

Pointing out that many of them are now in Gudalur to participate in the census which begins on Thursday, he said that after every operation they would be given certificates. Referring to the week-long census, which concluded at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park near here recently, Mr. Tyagi said that it had presented a healthy picture of the wildlife population there. The prey-predator ratio is as per norms. The data was in the process of being put together. Attributing the healthy state to effective conservation measures and a considerable fall in poaching, he said that a fact that was particularly gratifying was the growing number of young tuskers. When it was pointed out that a few wild elephants had recently strayed into Thalaikundah near here, he said that the aberrant behaviour of the pachyderms was not a serious source of concern. However, the people should be careful.

Forest officials in various parts of Coimbatore circle are now equipped with special lights to guide the animals back to their habitat. The Mudumalai Sanctuary and the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in Coimbatore district which have been closed due to the dry conditions would be re-opened if they receive a few good showers. Due to bushfires, trees in about 700 hectares have been charred at Mudumalai.

To meet the pulpwood requirements of the paper industry, a request had been made to fell about 60,000 trees. "Permission has been given to fell about 20,000 matured trees. Steps have been taken to replace them with shola and evergreen species. Striking a harmonious balance between conservation and development is the need of the hour," he said.

The wildlife warden, Rakesh Kumar Dogra, said that to mark the World Forestry Day, a training programme for mahouts and kavadis was conducted at Mudumalai on Wednesday.

Earlier the Nilgiris Collector, Santosh K. Misra, and Mr. Tyagi flagged off a World Forestry Day rally. A sapling planting programme was organised at the Anna Stadium. Among those who participated were the District Forest Officer, the Nilgiris North, Mohamed Iqbal Basha, and the District Forest Officer, the Nilgiris South, Rakesh Kumar Jagenia.