Forest dept takes up elaborate arrangements for rhino conservation

State forest department has taken up elaborate arrangements for the conservation of rhinoceroses.

Senior officials of the forest department claimed that the incidents of poaching of rhinos have gone down in last few years. They also said that the number of rhinos in the North Bengal have gone up.

According to a senior official of the forest department, the state government has put up proper infrastructure to create favorable atmosphere for the habitat of the rhinos in Jaldapara and Garumara forests.

The forest area in the state measures around 30-34 hector. Among which in 10 hector areas the trees have been planted. To save the rhinos from the poachers the forest department has installed watch towers, CCTVs and specially trained security forces have been deployed. Apart from this many other steps were being taken towards the conservation of the rhinos.

In 1984 there were 58 rhinos in the state. According to 2014-15 censuses the number of rhinos in the state stands at 350. In Jaldapara forest there were 14 rhinos previously but now it is the home to 180 rhinos whereas in Garumara forest there are presently 35 rhinos. There were 14 rhinos in Garumara previously.

“A lot of stress has been given in the enhancement of infrastructure to prevent the incidents of poaching and making the forests the best habitat for the rhinos. Doctors were being brought from the abroad for the treatment of the rhinos. The department has a plan to build up infrastructure at other forest as well besides, Jaldapara and Garumara”, an official of the forest department said.