Squads formed to rescue wildlife during winter

In view of severe cold wave conditions prevailing in the Chamba region and migration of rare and endangered wildlife, including avifauna, from higher reaches to low-lying areas, squads have been constituted to attend to the calls of the people at the forest circle, division and range levels.

A cub of wild bear rescued from the Himgiri area in Chamba district during last winter. File photo

Balkrishan Prashar

Our Correspondent

Chamba, December 15

In view of severe cold wave conditions prevailing in the Chamba region and migration of rare and endangered wildlife, including avifauna, from higher reaches to low-lying areas, squads have been constituted to attend to the calls of the people at the forest circle, division and range levels. Efforts would help protect and rescue the wildlife during the winter.

In a communication today, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) ARM Reddy said the names of the squad members had been notified and the members responsible for attending to emergency calls had been circulated. At the divisional forest officer headquarters, assistant conservator of forests would be the key person, Reddy added.

Last year, there were many instances when sambhar, barking deer and monal had been rescued after information was provided by the locals. The rescued animals had been shifted to Dhauladhar Nature Park at Palampur, said Reddy.

In the circular issued recently, the Chief Conservator of Forest had appealed to all forest divisions, staff and public to be vigilant in this regard and bring any such incidence to the notice of the nearest forest office.

“We have issued commendation certificates to the staff members, who have rescued wild animals in the last winter during severe winter conditions on the Independence Day. We will do the same this year too”, Reddy stated.

He said poaching being a cognizable offence, offenders would be dealt with harshly under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, which stipulates non-bailable arrest for the persons involved in such offences.

“A patrol vehicle is kept at circle office to attend to such emergencies by staff and can be used any time, thereby rescuing the life of wild animals straying away in search of food into the habitations situated on the fringe of forests”, Reddy further said.

File photo: A cub of wild bear rescued from remote Himgiri area in Chamba district during last winter.