Keoladeo to soon have 'wildlife intelligence unit'

Jaipur, June 2 (UNI) The Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur will soon have a 'wildlife intelligence unit' to curb criminal activity in the forest area.

State forest minister Laxmi Narayan Dave told UNI that this kind of intelligence unit is a first of sorts for Rajasthan.

Keoladeo Sanctuary's director Vijay Kumar Salwan said the unit will have a police officer incharge, who will keep a watch on poachers and trespassers who come to the forest for wood and animals.

They will stop any kind of illegal activity including cutting of trees in the sanctuary.

The police would also keep a watch on the surrounding villages to stop villagers from of breaking into the sanctuary. The intelligence unit officials would directly report the crime to the sanctuary director.

Mr Salwan also informed that population of cheetals have increased rapidly in the Keoladeo and now the number is about 2,500 which is more than the sanctuary's capacity.

Around 500 cheetals would be transfered to the Kela Devi Sanctuary in Karauli. A proposal in this regard has been sent to the Central government for permission and funds.

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