Gariaband: The Udanti Sitanadi Sanctuary team launched a highly effective campaign against poachers, yielding significant results by the end of the month. Deputy Director Varun Jain announced the arrest of seven individuals in Bijapur, who were found in possession of a tiger skin. This joint operation, carried out in collaboration with the Indravati Tiger Reserve, highlights the commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade. It is anticipated that the number of arrests will increase. Notably, Dhammashil Ganvir, Deputy Director of the Indravati Sanctuary, and Captain Amit Tukaram Kamble of the Gariaband Police played pivotal roles in the success of this operation.
Over the past 20 days, the anti-poaching team of Udanti Sitanadi, working in conjunction with teams from three border districts of Odisha, has been actively taking actions against poachers. By sharing crucial information obtained from the arrested individuals with higher-ranking officers, the nodal officers have devised effective strategies to curb illegal activities. For security reasons, specific details of the operations have not been disclosed. However, the continuous success against the hunters has bolstered the team’s morale. The department affirms that the campaign will persist, ensuring further successes in the fight against poaching.
Chhattisgarh is home to three tiger reserves: Sita River Udanti, Indravati, and Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. These reserves collectively span an area of over 5,555 square kilometers. While the region once housed 2014 tigers in 46, the 2018 census reported a decline to a mere 19. Despite conservation efforts, the demand for tiger skins has persisted, further endangering these magnificent creatures.
Throughout the month of June, the anti-poaching team, led by nodal officer Gopal Kashyap under the guidance of Varun Jain, cracked down on poachers with remarkable success. By the end of the month, they had apprehended over 50 poachers, marking the largest and most successful operation against poaching in the state’s history. This achievement serves as a significant deterrent to potential offenders, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding wildlife in the region.