Now, night patrolling at Sariska reserve

TNN | Nov 23, 2012, 05.38 AM IST ALWAR: In a move to keep poachers away from the Sariska Tiger Reserve during winters, the forest officials have chalked out a plan to start night patrolling. For the first time, the authorities have identified some local people who will work as informers to foil poaching attempts. The department has promised them awards on every material information. Five different teams of beat guards have been constituted and assigned specified areas in the reserve. Field director, Sariska Tiger reserve, RS Shekhawat has asked the teams to be vigilant and has selected 60 secret routes on which the teams have been asked to patrol during the night time. "We have taken a meeting of the locals and told them that whoever will give us information on the activities of the poachers would be awarded. We have also identified some persons who will work as informers and co-operate us in keeping the poachers away from the reserve," said a senior wildlife officer on Thursday. Though there has always been a scarcity of staff in the reserve as it is spread over an area of 881 kms, this year, authorities seem to be stepping up efforts to protect the wild animals from poaching. "We have divided the park into four ranges and 78 beats on which a team of almost 100 different guards will be deployed for patrolling in nights," said an official. Officials said that in winters even some villagers indulge in poaching of various wild animals for meat. "Activities such as poisoning animals are also executed during the night time. And these teams would scan the area to keep poisonous substance away from the reserve periphery," they added. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Now-night-patrolling-at-Sariska-reserve/articleshow/17330775.cms