The Chhattisgarh government has informed the state's High Court that it took immediate and coordinated action in recent cases involving the killing of tigers and leopards. This action led to the arrest of accused poachers and the recovery of wildlife body parts and hunting equipment.
Systemic Measures to Combat Poaching
In an affidavit filed on December 19 by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, the state outlined not just individual case details but a series of broader initiatives to tackle the menace. The affidavit was submitted in compliance with the court's earlier directions.
The government highlighted several key systemic measures being implemented:
- Constitution of a wildlife monitoring committee.
- Intensified patrolling using the MSTrIPES application.
- Deployment of additional trap cameras and strengthening of intelligence networks.
- Expansion of dog squads for detection.
- Training of "Bagh Mitras" from local communities.
- Construction of patrol posts and barricades in vulnerable forest areas.
The forest department also indicated that it is considering steps to arm frontline staff for self-protection against organized poaching gangs.
The Surajpur Tiger Death Case
The affidavit provided specific details of a recent case. On December 15, a male tiger was found dead in the Surajpur forest division after villagers alerted officials.
The site was immediately cordoned off, and senior forest and district officials were informed. A dog squad, forensic team, and police were pressed into service the same day. Procedures as per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) standard operating procedures were followed, including a post-mortem and forming an investigation committee. The NTCA's regional office was also notified.
Investigation sniffer dogs led teams to suspects' houses, where tiger claws, hair, and meat were recovered. Bundles of electric wires and snares were also seized, pointing to electrocution as the method of killing. One prime accused has been arrested, seized materials sent to the forensic lab, and interrogation of others is ongoing.
Court's Observations and Future Steps
The affidavit stressed that electrocution has emerged as a preferred and dangerous poaching method. This has prompted enhanced patrolling in sensitive zones like Surajpur and Khairagarh, along with awareness drives among villagers about the stringent penalties for wildlife crimes.
While acknowledging the prompt action and recoveries, the High Court observed that the use of live electric traps poses a grave threat to both wildlife and human life. The court has sought further disclosures on coordinated preventive steps. The matter will be heard next on January 21, 2026.
