Odisha govt inducts armed cops to boost Similipal security

Bhubaneswar: With an eye on poachers lurking for a kill at Similipal Tiger Reserve, a 131-member armed police company will oversee safety and security aspects at the Mayurbhanj reserve, which recently received two tigresses, Yamuna and Zeenat. The armed police company will also specifically focus on curbing frequent poaching activities at the tiger reserve. Earlier, the forest authorities deployed AI-integrated cameras as a security measure to monitor poachers and animals. Officials notified the manpower for the joint task force on Thursday. This task force will include an assistant commandant, an inspector, three sub-inspectors, three assistant sub-inspectors, and 30 havildars.Additionally, the armed police company will have three driver havildars, 87 sepoys, and three more drivers. The notification-cum-letter was issued by Satyabrata Sahu, additional chief secretary in the home department."I am directed to convey the sanction of the Governor for creation of a dedicated one company of armed police reserve force with the creation of 131 posts of different categories in Mayurbhanj district to strengthen protection measures in Similipal," the notification reads.It states that the newly-created posts will be filled up following the relevant recruitment rules and provisions specified in the Orissa Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services Act, 1975.Taking to X, former principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), Susanta Nanda, said this is a first-of-its-kind initiative of the state govt implemented in the entire country."Government of Odisha has created one dedicated Company of Armed Police Constabulary for strengthening protection measures in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Mayurbhanj. One of its kind in the entire country," Nanda states.Similipal Tiger Reserve witnessed frequent poaching activities in the past. Shockingly, poachers also targeted and shot dead two forest guards last year in May and June consecutively, calling for an urgent need for enhanced security measures at the tiger reserve for both officials and the animals.Tigress Zeenat, which was recently brought from Tadoba, has dispersed into neighbouring Jharkhand and is staying put in Rajabasa of the Chakulia range continues to give sleepless nights to forest officials. Officials said they are worried about her safety as there are fears of poaching if she strays away from the core zones. Similipal is home to total of 27 tigers, including 14 female tigers. Among the 27, there are seven melanistic tigers. The authorities have already deployed a Special Tiger Protection Force with about 150 personnel for the safety and security of big cats.Similipal is the second tiger reserve in the country after Bandipur to have such a dedicated tiger protection force.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.