BHUBANESWAR: As many as 194 wild animals have been poached by hunters in different forests of Orissa during the last two years.

In a written reply, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday told the Assembly that poachers had killed 20 elephants, 63 deer, 19 sambars and 92 other wild animals in the State.

He said all divisional forest officials (DFOs) were instructed to book the offenders, who were found to have committed serious wildlife crimes, under National Security Act (NSA). While 394 persons were accused of abetting and killing 194 wild animals during the last two years, NSA had been slapped against 14 offenders on behalf four forest divisions.

Wildlife offences

To reduce wildlife offences, Chief Minister said the proposal to set up Orissa State Forest Protection Force (OSFPC) comprising ex-army personnel was under active consideration of the State Government.

Elephant menace

On another man-elephant conflict, Mr. Patnaik said an Elephant Management Plan had been prepared keeping in view the elephant menace in the State and the government was examining the proposal.

On another query, Chief Minister said as many as 328 persons were killed by elephants since 2000.

On the other hand, 90 elephants were killed and offence cases were booked under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 against 171 persons on these cases, he said. "But none of these cases has been finalised yet."

One of the reasons cited for the killing of wild animals was poor surveillance by forest department, which was handicapped by staff shortage.

Vacant posts

The Chief Minister admitted that 2779 posts, including 2065 of forest guards, were lying vacant.

Earlier taking part in the discussion in the morning, Mr. Patnaik said in Similipal Forests, one of the densest forests of Orissa, 54 anti-poaching and anti-smuggling squads had been deployed to provide security cover to wild animals and also to strengthen surveillance on offenders.

Smuggling

Eleven vehicles and 17 motor cycles were pressed into service to keep track on smugglers, he said.