CCTV cameras to be installed in Buxa forest

The state Forest department will install state-of-the-art trap camera to intensify its vigil in Buxa forest in north Bengal to track down poachers.

The decision was taken at a high level meeting held recently. The Buxa forest area covers an area of 762 square kilometers. Majority of the area is dense and even forest department staff do not have complete access to it. 

Moreover, the reserve forest is flanked by Assam and Bhutan and some areas of the forest are invincible where even sunrays do not enter. The core area which covers 200 square kilometers is being manned properly. The poachers take shelter in the area where forest department officials cannot enter and track the animals which become their victim. Though due to intense vigilance the number of poachers has gone down considerably, but more intense vigil was suggested by experts.

Some years ago, CCTV cameras were installed but the cameras were fewer in number and also could not work during night. It has been decided that 70 trap cameras will be installed in eastern and western divisions of the tiger reserve forest. The forest department is now selecting the sites where the cameras will be installed and also training is being given to the forest department officials and staffs.

A senior official of the reserve forest said many of the cameras which were installed earlier had become defunct. The new cameras will help track the poachers both during daytime and night. Also, Himalayan Marten, Black Panther along with several other animals of rare species have been found in Buxa reserve forest.

The cameras will help identify newer and rare species that are found in the forest and will be able to track down the poachers. The cameras will also be able to track down tigers which have become rare in the forest. According to the information provided by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, there are only three tigers in the entire north Bengal. However, the data does not say anything about the exact number of tigers in Buxa forest.