Pramesh S Jain
To curb rising man-animal conflicts in urban areas bordering forests leading to loss of lives,the Director General and Inspector General of Police,has directed jurisdictional police to step up preventive action,ensure law and order,strengthen coordination,and enhance community outreach.
In a standing order issued earlier this month,the state police head,MA Saleem,directed the jurisdictional police working in the areas bordering forest to improve preventive and quick response,better coordination and community outreach programs to prevent untoward incidents leading to loss of live and law order problem.
The order came in the wake of increasing incidents related to wildlife (including angry villagers locking up forest officials in the cage,poisoning of tigress and its four cubs at MM hills sanctuary in June this year and several cases of wildlife hunting)which according to the officials is occurring due to lack of coordination and better planning to tackle the issues effectively .
Elaborating on the measures to be taken,Mr.Saleem said jurisdictional police bordering forest area apart from intensifying patrolling and set up check posts at the strategic locations to check on illegal activities and prevention of unauthorised entry into the forest areas especially after dusk.
The jurisdictional police should have coordination meeting and set up community contacts and village committees to gather intelligence and keep an eye on illegal activities .
The police should coordinate with the forest department in their “capture and rescue operations “and provide escort services whenever needed .
The police should make use of drone technology and wireless communication for law and order during man animal conflict and better coordination with the forest department.
