Berhampur (Odisha), Nov 14 (PTI) A wildlife cell isall set to become operational here with an aim to tighten thenoose around poachers in the southern parts of Odisha.
Built at an investment of Rs 25 lakh, the wildlifecrimes and coordination cell (WCCC)is expected to beginoperations soon, official sources said.
The WCCC will maintain data of common wildlife crimesand habitual poachers in the area, while a round-the-clockcontrol room will gather more details of such crimes, saidDivisional Forest Officer (DFO), Berhampur, A K Behera.
The centre will also keep a record of the availabilityof wild animals in the region comprising Ganjam, Gajapati,Kandhamal and Boudh districts, he said.
It would help in proper coordination between the statewildlife crime cell, the office of the chief wildlife warden,regional office of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Kolkata,and some other agencies, the DFO said.
In addition, the WCCC will be of interest toresearchers and wildlife enthusiasts as all kinds ofinformation, including the census data of different wildanimals, will be made available.
The cell would create awareness among people about theneed for conservation and protection of wildlife in the area,Behera added.
The setting up of such a centre assumes significanceamid frequent reports of poaching in the southern parts of thestate.
"Poaching is rampant in the area," said SamiraPradhan, president, Ganjam District Peacock ProtectionCommittee.
The region is home to several endangered animals likeblackbucks, olive ridley turtles and pangolins.
Altogether 105 wildlife crime cases were registeredwith the Berhampur forest circles in the last five years.
Around 210 persons were involved in these crimes, the sourcessaid.
Similarly, 11 cases of wildlife organ trade were alsoregistered during the period, with 28 persons having beenarrested in this connection, they said. PTI COR SKNRBTRMS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.