Armed Police Forces Deployed for Enhanced Patrolling in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha

Authorities have decided to deploy armed police forces to support forest personnel in patrolling areas prone to poaching within the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha. This decision follows suspicions that a melanistic Royal Bengal Tiger was killed in November last year. The STR, located in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts, is the only known habitat for these rare black-striped tigers, with an estimated population of 13.

In January, police arrested four individuals in Mayurbhanj district after discovering tiger skin and nails in their possession. Earlier, six others were apprehended in Balasore district with the same tiger's claws. In total, ten people have been detained in connection with the death of the melanistic tiger. The poachers confessed to killing a one-and-a-half-year-old tiger, according to STR field director Prakash Chand Gogineni.

Enhanced Patrolling Measures

To combat wildlife poaching effectively, police are coordinating with forest officials for joint patrolling and flag marches in sensitive villages near the Similipal Tiger Reserve. "Two platoons of armed police force are being provided to forest officials," stated Mayurbhanj SP Varun Guntupalli during a press briefing at Baripada. Each platoon comprises 30 personnel.

Police Eastern Range DIG Satyajit Nayak highlighted that specially trained armed police forces will assist forest personnel in Balasore and Mayurbhanj forest divisions. "Specially trained armed police forces will assist the forest personnel in Balasore and Mayurbhanj forest divisions to protect wildlife," Nayak said. Around 40 officers in Mayurbhanj and 50 in Balasore's Bagudi range have received armed training for this mission.

Technological Advancements

Modern technology is being leveraged to prevent wildlife crimes. Over 180 locations have been equipped with advanced AI and infrared cameras to detect poachers and those involved in wildlife crime. These tools aim to enhance surveillance and ensure better protection of the wildlife within the reserve.

The deployment of armed police forces alongside technological advancements underscores the commitment to safeguarding the unique wildlife of Similipal Tiger Reserve. With these measures, authorities hope to deter poaching activities and preserve the remaining population of melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers.