Bengal ranger to receive international award at Johannesburg for wildlife conservation

He is the only Indian to bag the award this year. Benoy Krishna Burman, state Forest minister said Dutta would be awarded by the state government soon. “Dutta is a source of inspiration to his junior colleagues and we are all proud of him. His initiatives have reduced poaching in North Bengal forests,” he said. 

Pradip Vyas, principal chief conservator of Forest said “Dutta has made all of us proud.” Dutta will get the Clerk and Bovian Wild Life law Enforcement Award under the Conservation of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora.

Dutta took a leading role in nabbing wood smugglers and later brining them into the mainstream of life. He also played an important role in stopping poaching and nabbing poachers from both India and Bhutan.

Some poachers are engaged in selling limbs of dead animals. They catch the animal and mutilate it and the parts are sold in the international market at a premium.

Dutta nabbed such gangs and after interrogation recovered parts of the body and even recovered some living animals that had been lifted by the poachers. Rhino horn fetches a high price in international market and poachers target Rhinos with horn.

Dutta had given training to local youth to help the Forest department staffs to round up poachers. They bring information and the hideout of the poachers and finally with their help, they are arrested. He was also successful in recovering animal skins, particularly that of Leopards which fetch very good price in international market.

When contacted Dutta said he was grateful for the assistance and cooperation offered by his colleagues. “I want to carry on with the drive against poachers and enforce Wildlife laws strictly.”