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Operation to prevent poaching in Rajaji park
by Asheesh Goel

          Dehradun: The govt has launched an Operation Monsoon to prevent poaching in Rajaji National Park. Poaching is on the increase in many forest areas and wildlife parks in the monsoon. Several Uttarakhand Forest Department teams have been appointed and tasked with the responsibility of undertaking anti-poaching combing operations in designated areas. The operation involves putting up camps inside jungles and maintaining a constant vigil for illegal entrants. Patrolling parties often have to spend sleepless nights while on guard. SS Negi, the Forest Range Officer at the Rajaji National Park, said: "During this time (Monsoon), the poachers target those areas where police cannot reach. Therefore, we keep patrolling the entire area during a search. We usually walk around the entire area and try to reach every single place to check the entry of any poacher." This involves a major risk, as forest officers are exposed to insect bites, injuries and lack of pottable water. "Mostly, we do monsoon patrolling on foot. We make groups and do night stays for two-three days. We have arrangements of tents and staying and cover almost 150 to 200 kilometres of area," said Forest Ranger S. M. Rawat. Forest guard D. S. Rawat, said: "We have to always keep water with us. We have to keep our medical box. Food is provided by the department. Apart from this, while crossing some bush, we come across snakes and other poisonous insects." 'Operation Monsoon' is a three-month drive to control poaching. It commenced on July 15, and during its duration, sanctuaries are closed to visitors and wildlife enthusiasts.

          Poaching has badly affected Indian tiger's population, and a thriving black market exists for animals such as leopards and rhinoceros. Poachers have killed hundreds of leopards during the past two years, according to the Wildlife Protection Society of India. A recent tiger census that estimated 3,500 tigers in the country is seen as too optimistic by conservationists who believe the true figure is closer to 2,000 or as little as several hundred. Techniques employed for hunting are also as varied as the animals that are poached. Hunting on foot at night using locally crafted muzzle-loading guns is one of the most popular means because it is more efficient, though not most conspicuous which is a risky proposition. Water holes, fruiting trees and croplands bordering forests are favourite spots for stalking wildlife. Snares using telephone wires and automobile clutch cables are set on forest paths regularly used by animals. Often large, critically endangered animals like tigers and leopards also get caught and die in snares. Using of lime on fruiting trees is one more common method employed to hunt birds. Baited explosives are used to hunt pigs while dynamiting is the most popular method employed to poach fish. Traditional methods of using beating and hunting dogs are also engaged to corner and hunt muntjacs, wild boars and blacknaped hares. Poisoned water placed in broken earthern pots is another popular method. In India, wildlife has been traditionally hunted over the ages, perhaps because it was in an age when the forest cover was vast, the human population low and wildlife existed in extremely good densities.
- July 30,  2007