The Uttarakhand Forest Department has started operation Arundhati for protecting wildlife and to get rid of the network of poachers and smugglers in all forest ranges in the State.

According to written instructions issued by State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Dr Raghu Bir Singh Rawat, each Divisional Forest Officer and Forest Ranger will have to spend a minimum stipulated time in field camps during which they have to strengthen the network of informants and those interested in wildlife conservation. Moreover, they have to keep a tab on movements of known wildlife poachers and smugglers.

Named after the popular tamed female elephant of Rajaji National Park, Arundhati, who died in 2007, the operation is being undertaken during the Wildlife Week from October 1 to 7.

It is pertinent to mention here that after the end of the rainy season, many wild animals have started returning to low lying areas made them susceptible to poaching in areas accessible more easily compared to rugged mountainous regions.

According to Uttarakhand Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW) Srikant Chandola, the State PCCF RBS Rawat has issued a letter directing the execution of an operation comprising of special measures in forest areas across the State for wildlife protection.

The CWW further informed that as per instructions issued by the State PCCF, rangers of all 235 forest ranges of Uttarakhand will be required to camp for a minimum of 10 days in the field while Divisional Forest Officers will have to camp at least three nights in the field.

During their time in the field the department officials will participate in long range patrolling of forests, establish and enhance contact with the public, collect information about and monitor movements of known offenders involved in wildlife poaching and smuggling.

The officials will also establish links with local residents interested in wildlife conservation so that the department can receive timely and reliable information about the presence and activities of poachers and tribes known to be traditionally involved in trapping, poaching and smuggling of wild animals and wildlife commodities. Though specific measures are being taken in all forest ranges the border area with Nepal is being accorded special focus due to the fact that wildlife commodities intended for the international market are being smuggled to Nepal from Uttarakhand.

It is pertinent to note that during the past 10 years deaths of a total of 778 elephants, tigers and leopards were recorded in the State due to various reasons, including natural factors, poaching and accidents. Though fewer recorded deaths were attributed to poaching as compared to natural factors and accidents, observers say that only a small percentage of poaching cases are reported. Wildlife protection in Uttarakhand will receive a definitive boost if operation Arundhati succeeds in meeting its target.