BHUBANESWAR: With 'Akhand Shikar' or mass hunting next month, the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) authorities have identified four forest ranges and 25 sensitive villages where patrolling will be intensified to check poaching.

Since hunting takes place on Maha Vishuva Sankranti, the authorities have geared up for a vigorous anti-poaching drive. "Most tribals celebrate the day by hunting tigers. This has been the practice since long," said regional chief conservator of forest (RCCF) Anup Nayak. He said this year reserve authorities would take the help of police to check poaching. "Strict monitoring has helped us contain mass hunting of animals in the last four years," he added.

Tribals in 68 villages inside the STR indulge in poaching. "We are trying to convince villagers not to hunt. We are spreading awareness among tribal leaders," said Nayak. He said both forest staff and police would carry out a flag march in the villages. "We are also planning to launch several interesting events to divert villagers," he said.