Similipal Sanctuary to be Guarded by Police Amidst Protest by Forest Personnel

Baripada: Police personnel have been assigned to guard the Similipal sanctuary in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, as Odisha Non-Gazetted Forest Services Association members have ceased foot patrolling since June 19. This action follows the shooting of two of their colleagues within the national park.

The decision to deploy three platoons of police forces, under the directive of Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, aims to protect the forest cover and its inhabitants. Efforts are also being made to engage 150 forest personnel from other divisions for surveillance.

Presently, over 800 forest staff members continue their cease-work protest. The demonstration began on June 23 with the participation of 241 forest personnel, later joined by approximately 600 protection assistants (PAs) who have been on strike since July 1.

Expressing concern over the situation, Bhanumitra Acharya, a former honorary wildlife caretaker, noted that the vast Similipal sanctuary, spanning 2,750 square kilometres and characterized by poor road connectivity, may not be effectively guarded by the police force alone. He suggested that engaging CRPF jawans, in addition to policemen, would be more suitable, as forest personnel are specially trained for surveillance in challenging terrains.

The recent killings of forester Mathi Hansda on June 16 and forest guard Bimal Kumar Jena on May 22 by armed poachers in the Similipal Tiger Reserve have led to growing discontent among forest staff throughout Odisha. Members of the association believe that their lives are at risk due to the negligence of the State Government and Forest Department authorities.