Baripada: The Forest department’s intensified drive against illegal hunting in Similipal is yielding results, with poachers voluntarily surrendering country-made guns under its “Mission Zero Poaching” campaign.
In the latest instance, 25-year-old Charuchandra Singh, alias Charu, of Phulbadia village in Udala, Mayurbhanj, surrendered his firearm at the Dukura Wildlife Range Office in the presence of his ward member, Sukura Singh.
Similipal Deputy Director (South) Samrat Gowda said the campaign, launched to curb indiscriminate hunting in the region, has already made a significant impact. Since March 2024, over 50 illegal guns have been voluntarily surrendered, while more than 100 have been seized from offenders.
Local leaders are playing a vital role in encouraging the surrender. Sarpanch of Sapanchua Ludhia Majhi, Champajhar Sarpanch Bikram Pingua, and Sarpanch of Kendua GP have been instrumental in motivating poachers to give up their weapons.
Under the initiative, those who surrender firearms face no legal action and are granted general amnesty. The department is also offering free two-month vocational training to help them develop employable skills and secure alternative livelihoods.
