Anti-poaching squad for Simlipal

Bhubaneswar, Jun 04 (UNI) Fifty four anti-poaching and anti-smuggling squads have been deployed in Simlipal forest to provide security cover to wild animals, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told the State Assembly.

Mr Patnaik said the state government has taken administrative measures to intensify protection and management of Simlipal forest by increasing forest divisions and establishing 14 check gates at strategic location.

Replying to a question of the Chief Minister said the forest officials have been equipped with 81 guns, 17 rifles and 23 revolvers to ensure security of the wild animals and forest.

Besides, he said as many as 144 eco-development committees had been constituted involving the villagers of Simlipal area to assist the forest officials for protection of both the forest and wildlife.

The government, Mr Patnaik said has also promoted eco-tourism in Simlipal to provide alternative location to the local inhabitants and relocated 72 families from the core zone of the Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR).

UNI