Sunday, July 19, 2009
Will there be justice in the Goa Tiger killing case
After much dilly dallying the forest department arreseted a person in connection with the killing as per a TOI report today. Given how the case has gone on so far it will not be surprising if the case dies a natural death since months have passed between the killing of the big cat and arrest of a suspect. One can safely assume that all material evidence linked to the killing would have been destroyed by now. If the miniter MOEF is serious about protection tiger populations across the country he should either ensure cases of suspect killing are handed over tothe CBI to uncover the mafias behind these deaths or should bring in a law in the parliament to give a CBI kind of status to Wildlife crime investigation bodies. Unless any of this is done it will be mightly tough for local law enforcement or Forest officials who are the mercy of local mafias to prevent further killings.
Field Directors meet at Sariska - Release of timely funds major issue
According to a TOI report, the field directors meet called for on 25/26th July in Sariska is likely to see presentations being made by directors pf parks in the presence of MOEF Minister Jairam Ramesh. As per the report, 'Sources said the meet will focus on tripartite memorandum of understandings (MoUs), enforcement, intelligence gathering, progress on special tiger protection force (STPF) deployment and protection, disturbance due to Naxal and extremists' presence in the reserves. ' The centre needs to play an aggressive role in tiger conservation and not wait for states to address tricky issues before it is too late. Couple of prominent reasons cited for lack of security in parks has been non appointment of senior officials in time and lack of timely release of funds by centre for security related activities. Without adequate funds, parks are unable generally to hire locals to work on daily patraolling related jobs which hinders protection programmes. Since the minister has been showing increasing concern about vanishing forests and tigers he might well be advised to take immediate action to address these two points with urgency.
Will mining issue be raised at Sariska meet?
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