Authorities at Corbett Tiger Reserve have issued a strict and morose order to shoot at sight of any poacher to prevent killing of tigers in the reserve. The official in charge Madhukar Dhakate said that such step has been taken to save the wildlife especially tigers.
Along with such strict measures authorities have barred the villagers to enter the wildlife reserve. "We have started tactical anti-poaching operations under which forest staff has been ordered to shoot at sight if a suspected poacher with arms is seen in the critical tiger habitat zone. This is not the first time such directives have been issued," said Dhakate.
Two drones along with 150 forest frontline officials guard the area 24x7. Over 388 camera traps have been installed along with sharp shooters with night vision goggles are on alert to take the precautionary measure.
The tiger reserve sees a footfall of at least 1000 every day. "Tourists are informed that they will face strict frisking, which they should cooperate with," Dhakate said. The tiger reserve has opened 5 regions for tourists only namely – Jhirna, Bijrani, Dhikala, Dhela and Durgadevi.
There are around 100 villages nearby the reserve, their daily needs including firewood are in danger due to the strict implication of the new rules which doesn't allow the villagers to enter the reserve.
"Shoot-at-sight orders at Kaziranga National Park have proved a great deterrent to poaching. I appreciate that Corbett authorities too have taken the same decision," said H S Bargali, deputy director at Corbett Foundation.
Image Credit: corbettonline.uk.gov.in
Originally Published in TOI