Training for prevention of wildlife crime held

Forest department officials and others during the training for prevention of wildlife crime and intelligence collection in Mokokchung on March 16. (Photo Courtesy: DFO Mokokchung)

Mokokchung, March 17 (MExN): A two day training programme for ‘Prevention of Wildlife Crime and Intelligence Collection’ began on March 16 at conference hall office of Conservator of Forests, Northern Territorial Circle in Mokokchung.

The training was conducted for forest officers and police officers of Mokokchung district by the Nagaland Forest Department, the Nagaland state Biodiversity Board, and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Ministry Of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Government of India. 60 police and forest officers from Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Zunheboto and Mokokchung participated in the programme, according to a report from the organizers.

IFS DFO Mokokchung highlighted a brief background of wildlife crime in the district. She stated that, out of the total 86 villages under Mokokchung district, 18 villages have totally banned hunting while the remaining villages observe periodical relaxation.

Special invitee, Vishal Chauhan, Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung spoke on the importance of identification of wildlife items such as bones or meat at the crime scene and the need for DNA profiling for the same. He also urged for sincere effort towards conscientization among the stakeholders, the importance of wildlife and ill-effects of wildlife trafficking.

Satya Prakash Tripathi PCCF & HoFF (Retd) and Chairman Nagaland state Biodiversity, emphasized the need of creating awareness among people  on the importance of  forest and wildlife  along  with implementation of various provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972,and the state government notification /orders. He deliberated upon the constitution of community reserves and biodiversity management committee. He also spoke on the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.

Agni Mitra, Regional Deputy Director Eastern Region, WCCB, MoEF & CC, spoke on the richness of wildlife in the eastern region. The North Eastern region is endemic to various flora especially the orchid, which are being smuggled out of the states, he observed. He also highlighted the need for intelligence collection and effective inter-departmental co-ordination to control poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products in the country.

Technical sessions were held on legal provisions related to wildlife crime and court procedures in WLPA along with important cases and conduct of search & seizure, operation etc.