Mayurbhanj: Locals living in villages close to the Similipal National Park (SNP) have now decided to prevent poaching activities within the forest. They have formed groups who are guarding many areas of the park at night.
Officials informed Thursday that locals apprehended two poachers along with their guns and sharp-edged weapons Wednesday night and handed them over to the Forest Department staff. The two poachers were forwarded to a court in Baripada, Thursday. Susanta Nanda (PCCF) Wildlife acknowledged the role of local villagers in apprehending the poachers. He added that such actions will definitely motivate Forest Department officials. “Now the villagers are up against the criminals trying to dent their Pride-The Simlipal Tiger Reserve. Thrilled to share that villagers of Kendua village bordering Similipal, have nabbed 2 accused with 2 loaded guns last (Wednesday) night while entering Similipal for poaching. Kudos (sic),” Nanda wrote on ‘X’. Meanwhile, local villagers informed that more than 10 teams have been formed to track the movement of poachers inside the forest and take action accordingly. This definitely will go a long way in ensuring the safety of the animals living within Similipal National Park, officials said.