Training programme on wildlife crime control held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 16 2011:
A one day training cum sensitization programme on 'Wildlife Crime Control and Investigation for Enforcement Agencies in the State of Manipur' was held at Hotel imphal during which a detailed report on seizure of animal parts and exotic plants by troops of the Assam Rifles were presented.
animal parts seized/recovered by different agencies were also put on display as a part of the event organised by the State Forest Department in collaboration with the Wildlife Control Crime Bureau (WCCB), Eastern Region, Kolkata (Union Ministry of Environment and Forests) .
As per presentation by the Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) S Dhananjoy, only three cases of wildlife crime were recorded in between 2006-07 which declined to only two in the succeeding years (2007-08) only to record a high of 14 cases in 2008-09 compared to seven cases in 2009-10 and nine till date in the current year.
During these period, the Assam Rifles reported and consequently handed over huge quantity/number of animal parts comprising of Pangolin scales, leopard skulls, Mithun horns, Deer skin and bones, Seahorse skeleton, Tiger skins, Rhino hooves, Red Sander woods and locally found Ginseng variety, the Forest Department official said.
speaking as the chief guest, Principal Chief Conservator of forests (Manipur) A Kharshiing voicing concern on the number of crimes related to wildlife emphasised on close co-ordination and concerted effort of all the law enforcing agencies and para-military force such as the Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF and CISF.
Apart from the Forest Department personnel, role of Manipur police, Customs and even the judiciary are enormous to tackle smuggling of wildlife products, he maintained.
While stringent punitive action against those indulging in the illegal trade of wildlife products/parts as per existing law will be able to control smuggling of animal parts and protected plant species, extensive awareness campaigns on the importance of wildlife conservation will certainly be a deterrent against such crimes, he said.
While expressing serious concern that after drug smuggling trade in wildlife products has become the most lucrative illegal activity, Kharshiing warned that penalty against smuggling of wildlife parts entails 3 to7 years imprisonment along with monetary fine.
Among others, Addl Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Dr Anilkumar and Dy Director WCCB C Behera also spoke at the occasion.