BHUBANESWAR: The Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary sleuths on Friday arrested two poachers who were trying to enter the protected area. Traditional weapons were seized from their possession.
Mobile patrol squads deployed in the sanctuary tracked down the poachers after being tipped off by informers. The two were identified as PradipNaik and GokulaNaik, both from Kulurukumpa village.
With Raja festival ahead, the sanctuary officials are on alert since tribal villagers go in for hunting in and around Baisipalli and Satkosia Gorge sanctuaries. Hunting is a major challenge for Baisipalli since it is surrounded by more than 100 villages both in Boudh and Nayagarh districts. DFO of Mahanadi Wildlife Division AnshuPragyan Das said aggressive patrolling measures have been adopted to curb poaching in vulnerable areas, specially during Sankrantis and Purnimas when ritualistic hunting takes place.
As part of strategy, monsoon patrolling has been strengthened through establishment of camps in pockets which get cut off from the sanctuary after rains arrive. In such areas, Das said, temporary camps have been set up which will remain operational throughout season.
Big cats and elephants are tracked regularly to ensure their protection. Watch is also being kept on intruders who supply information about movement of large animals. All entry routes have been mapped and machans have also been set up, she added saying, the squads have been provided VHF sets and camping kits. In villages located on the fringe areas, paid informers have been activated for intelligence gathering.
