KAZIRANGA, FEBRUARY 6: In the wake of the recent incidents of poaching of one-horned rhinos inside the Kaziranga National Park, the Assam governement on Wednesday announced formation of a mobile rapid action unit.
Visiting Haldibari, the area in the park where a rhino was poached on Tuesday, State Forest, Environment and Tourism Minister Rockybul Hussain today said the unit would comprise forest personnel who would move in a vehicle with sophisticated weapons, night vision binoculars and wireless sets.
As many as four rhinos have been killed inside the park so far this year. According to records, 21 rhinos were poached in 2007.
To boost security measures inside the park, the minister also announced the sanction of 200 3.3 rifles and a 100 additional Homeguard personnel. Only three months ago, 60 Homeguad personnel were added to the park’s security strength.
The minister further said that at least 25 more watch camps would be set up inside the park. Besides, Hussain announced cash rewards for those who would help arrest or kill any poacher.
