Mr PB Gangopadhyay, an Indian Forest Service officer of the 1975 batch, took over as the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state on March 16. Mr Gangopadhyay's elevation to the post came at a time when the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department was facing the biggest credibility crisis since its existence. In his conversation with The Pioneer, Mr Gangopadhyay outlined his priorities and came clean on what is now being described as the Panna Tiger Crisis.
Q: The absence of tigers from Panna is a burning issue. What steps is the department taking to address the doubts being raised about the presence of tigers in the park?
A: We have ordered a re-census of tigers at Panna after the reports of lack of tiger sightings started coming in. The results of the census would be compiled by March 24. The park management however stands by its version that there are 34 tigers in the park.
Q: Poaching has acquired the status of an organised crime. How do you intend tackling it?
A: Even if we discount the reports of Panna and Bandhavgarh, poaching is a serious problem. Financial incentives to poachers are big. The Department will have to go all out against poaching. Better coordination between various Intelligence agencies, the media and all stakeholders is being sought. A Tiger Cell headed by an ADG-rank police officer monitors poaching. Task Forces comprising the Collector, SP and DFO have been set up in districts to work on forest related issues.
Q: Are more stringent laws the answer to poaching?
A: No, the laws are there, the problem area is enforcement.
Q: An alternative approach to conservation through sport hunting has been suggested by an officer of the Forest Department? Are there any possibilities that this approach might be considered by the Government?
A: The conservation approach based on sport hunting is being followed in most countries of the world and has shown remarkable results too. If the world is following it, there has to be logic and truth in the approach. However, the time is not yet ripe in India to pursue this approach. Public opinion at present is against this approach. People have to first understand the difference between conservation and preservation. Once the stakeholders are made to realize that it is in their own interests to save animals, they would do so.
Q: The Wildlife Wing is cash strapped. The police have a modernization budget that the Wildlife Wing doesn't.
A: We realize that and would demand greater allocation of funds from the Centre as the state Government has limited resources.
Q: The death of eight Spotted Deer at Van Vihar has shocked everyone.
A: Dogs broke into the park on Saturday and chased the Spotted Deer. Some of them fell into the moat in the bear enclosure and died due to shock. The boundary of the park would be remade in the next three years. A path would also be made along the boundary to facilitate patrolling.
