Odisha's Angul Forest Circle Intensifies Anti-Poaching Efforts with 'Jibedaya' Drive
In a decisive move to protect vulnerable wildlife, the Angul forest circle in Odisha has initiated a special operation named Jibedaya. This drive targets the cruel practice of bait bombing, which poachers use to kill wild animals, including elephants, in the region's elephant-rich divisions.
Massive Seizure of Deadly Devices in One Week
Wildlife officials have reported a significant breakthrough, with more than 50 bait bombs confiscated during the past week alone. These explosives, often disguised as food items like balls or chocolates, are designed to detonate when animals chew them, leading to agonizing fatalities. The operation has successfully thwarted numerous poaching attempts, safeguarding the local elephant population and other species.
Coordinated Strategy to Combat Illegal Hunting
Sanjay Swain, the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests for the Angul circle, emphasized that Jibedaya is a joint endeavor involving intra-division and inter-division personnel. "The operation focuses on cracking down on bait bombs and other illicit hunting methods through coordinated raids, targeted searches, and frequent foot patrols in sensitive forest areas," he stated. This collaborative approach aims to identify and apprehend habitual offenders, enhancing forest security.
Addressing the Root Cause: Gunpowder Regulation Challenges
Conservationists have long advocated for stricter controls on gunpowder sales to prevent its misuse in bomb-making. Originally used for poaching wild boars, bait bombs now pose a severe threat to elephants, causing grievous mouth injuries. Swain acknowledged the difficulties in regulation, noting that farmers sometimes extract gunpowder from crackers. To counter this, authorities plan surprise house searches in villages near elephant habitats as a deterrent measure.
Enhanced Surveillance Yields Tangible Results
The stepped-up surveillance under the Jibedaya drive has not only reduced poaching incidents but also minimized electrocution cases. Enforcement teams have seized:
- 9 country-made guns
- Approximately 120 small ammunition rounds
- Several boar snares
Additionally, 15 wildlife offence cases have been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, leading to the arrest of 14 offenders. This demonstrates the drive's effectiveness in enforcing legal measures against poaching.
High-Level Meetings and Future Strategies
In a recent high-level meeting, officials including the Inspector General (central range) and Superintendents of Police from Cuttack, Jajpur, Nayagarh, and Kendrapara districts convened to enhance intelligence sharing and coordinated action. The RCCF, Angul, has pursued this matter with the IG of the north-central range, focusing on curbing illegal practices in the Angul and Dhenkanal forest divisions. Forest officials have vowed to deal sternly with bait bomb manufacturers, ensuring that such cruel methods are eradicated from the region.
The Jibedaya drive represents a critical step forward in wildlife conservation, combining rigorous enforcement with community engagement to protect Odisha's precious biodiversity.
