NAGPUR: The poaching of a deer on Saturday and seizure of its meat has put a question mark over credibility of the anti-poaching squad and tiger cell, both of whom are responsible for wildlife protection.
In 1980 state had set up two anti-poaching units attached to the wildlife wing in Thane and Nagpur. However, looking into wildlife crime being found in places outside protected areas (PAs), these units were attached to the territorial circles from 2006.
It's high time the state reviewed the functioning of the squad, whose jurisdiction is spread over five circles; Amravati, Nagpur, Yavatmal, North Chandrapur and South Chandrapur. The three-member squad has to monitor 16,000 sq km area. The apathy of these officials has led to the squad becoming virtually defunct.
The squad's RFO is getting transferred, and he is burdened with additional work of looking after court cases. The squad has itself been poached, said sources.
The last action by the anti-poaching squad was in December 2009, when 1,200 dead munia birds were seized by it.
Talking to TOI, Nitin Desai, Central India director of Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), Nagpur, said that the city has fast become a thriving market for wild animal meat like venison (deer meat), which is cheaper than even regular mutton or goat meat. ``There is a need to strengthen the anti-poaching squad and maintain all-round vigil," he said.
Sources said that even in city markets like Mangalwari Bazaar, Lakadganj, Shanichara, Tulsibagh and other places, poachers are openly selling protected birds and animals.
However, the anti-poaching squad as well as the tiger cell have failed to check the menace. The latest case proves that the tiger cell has been confined to tea sessions only, with no ground action.
There have also been allegations that the anti-poaching squad fails to respond to quick calls. The squad officials have flimsy excuses when called. "We don't have vehicle" is the common excuse. If the vehicle is present, they will say there is no diesel. If both are there, they will say there is a staff shortage.
"When the officials can't nab poachers operating right under their noses, how could you expect them to protect wildlife outside?" asks conservationist Prafulla Bhamburkar
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