Forest department is facing tough challenge of preventing poaching activities in Khanapur jungle, which is recognized as a major habitat for elephants. Taking advantage of poor vigilance of the forest department, breaking of law is unabated in this jungle by locals and poachers from outside.The arrest of 20 professional poachers from Maharashtra recently, provided the proof of ongoing unabated poaching activities in Khanapur jungle once again. Poachers had entered jungle along with tempo, in which they had dongs trained for poaching and sharp weapons to kill and cut the wild animals.
However, following the tip-off, local forest officials succeeded in nabbing them at Parwada-Gouliwada jungle near Kanakumbi by launching a well planned attack. According to department sources, knowledge about jungle and preparation of the poachers, they might have conducted their activities in past too.Speaking to the TOI, a senior officer of the department said poaching activities of such a magnitude were not possible without help from the insiders in department or local villagers. Recently, officials had caught a cook in one of the forest department resorts in Khanapur jungle, who used to poach wild animals and served their meat at high rates to the guests.
He was suspended after being caught."After arrest of 20 poachers recently, we have been increased security at check posts, from where one can take entry into jungle. The check posts at Hemmadaga, Jamboti, Krishnapur, Londa and Dorla are kept alert round the clock in order to keep eye on law breakers", Ambadi Madhav, deputy conservator of forests said.
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