Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to strengthen wildlife protection, the Odisha government is considering equipping Forest Department personnel with firearms to combat rising incidents of poaching.
Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia announced the proposal, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to safeguard both forest staff and the state’s biodiversity.
Currently, forest personnel face significant risks as they lack access to firearms, despite having the authority to use them. “Poachers are becoming increasingly brazen, and our staff is often left defenseless. This initiative will not only empower them but also deter illegal activities in our forests,” Singkhuntia stated.
Beyond arming its personnel, the state is also leveraging cutting-edge technology to monitor poaching activities.
AI-powered surveillance cameras have been introduced in two pilot locations—Similipal and Rourkela. These systems are designed to track suspicious activities, particularly near railway lines passing through forest regions, which are hotspots for poaching.
The Minister revealed plans to extend AI surveillance to other vulnerable forest areas in Odisha as part of a comprehensive strategy to curb poaching. The combination of advanced technology and firearms is expected to significantly bolster wildlife conservation efforts across the state.
