According to statistics available, poaching inside KNP has registered a spurt in recent times. After visiting the park, this Correspondent learnt that shortage of field staff was the main cause, according to official behind increased poaching. Sources say about 400 posts of forest guards are lying vacant. But the government has appointed only IFS officers at the upper level. Nature lovers allege that a section of these officers are not devoted and have done little to protect the animals at the field level. Allegations were also rife that the present park director SN Buragohain had failed to take practical steps to control poacher. As a result, the poachers have lately taken the upper hand and are on the verge of decimating the rhino population.

Talking to The Assam Tribune, the park director clarified that due to shortage of staff, normal duty was greatly hampered. The director revealed that a total of 475 staff strength was sanctioned against a total of 430 square kilometre of the park. But at present the area has been increased to 1,030 square kilometre which is why staff shortage has manifested in a more severe form than even before.