CFD launches crack down on wildlife trafficking
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, September 10 2024: Central Forest Division (CFD), Manipur, has seized a cache of wildlife articles, including python skin and body parts, from a vehicle in Lamphel Sanakeithel area.

As per a release by CFD divisional forest officer (DFO), the accused identified as Jaokhupou Pamei of Thangal Longzang, Bishnupur, was apprehended along with his family members.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of forest officials intercepted the suspected vehicle and found the prohibited wildlife articles, following which the accused is being investigated for his involvement in wildlife trafficking.

The release also mentioned that the seized articles include python skin, head, gall bladder, eyes, tail, claws, and fats.

Python is a Schedule I species, and the offense is punishable under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amendment 2024).The seized vehicle will be tried in the court of authorised officer under section 52(1) of IFA Manipur amendment 2018.CFD, Manipur, has been actively working to combat wildlife trafficking and protect the state's rich biodiversity.

This seizure is a significant achievement in the division's efforts to curb wildlife crime.

Further investigation is underway to unravel the network involved in wildlife trafficking, it further said.

Meanwhile, CFD, Manipur under the aegis of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), conducted a one-day awareness programme on Forest Fire Management on Tuesday, another release by DFO CFD informed.

The event was attended by officials from Manipur Fire Service, 80 members of the Village Forest Fire Committees (VFFC) and forest field staff.

CFD DFO Ganesh N inaugurated the programme and emphasised on the importance of collective efforts in preventing and mitigating forest fires.

The release also stated that the programme is aimed to acquaint the participants on knowledge and skills to tackle forest fires effectively.

Hands-on training experience was provided to field staff, covering topics such as forest fire behaviour and prediction, fire prevention and control techniques, use of fire-fighting equipment and tools and collaborative approaches for effective fire management.

The programme also highlighted the crucial role of VFFC members in forest fire management and encouraged their active participation in fire prevention and mitigation efforts, it said.

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