Faced with allegations of rampant poaching in the Panna Tiger Reserve, the Park management has set in place an elaborate security system comprising watch towers and patrolling camps. Apart from this, the Park management has also secured the services of 31 ex-Army personnel who would assist the Forest Department staff in prevention and detection of poaching.
The 542 square km Panna Tiger Reserve has as many as 13 villages located within it that makes it more susceptible to human intrusions.
Panna Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Mr AK Nagar speaking to The Pioneer said that 32 watch towers have been constructed at various points in the Parks in the last six months. "The watch towers have been strategically located so that most of the area of the Park can be placed under surveillance," he said. The watch towers are not built of brick and mortar but of grass and mud so that they gel with the landscape. The towers are located at vantage points that provide a better view to the staff posted there while remaining difficult to locate for those in lower areas. Three watchers, equipped with a wireless set and a bicycle are stationed at each watch tower.
The Park management has also set up 42 patrolling camps on the peripheries of the reserve. Each patrolling camp has a staff of four persons who have to patrol an 8- to 10-km stretch every day. Thirtyone ex-Army personnel, equipped with vehicles, have also been stationed at the Park to patrol the motorable areas.
The Deputy Director said the efforts are paying off. Last week, the Forest Department staff arrested a pardhi from the Chandranagar range after he was found laying traps.
Mr Nagar added that with the onset of the summers, fires in the forests become a common occurrence. The staff at watch towers and patrolling camps would also keep an eye on the fires as early detection is key to preventing their spread.
