Satkosia Tiger Reserve gets special patrolling vans equipped with all modern facilities

The Satkosia Tiger Reserve on Thursday got 12 modern-equipped special patrolling vans, contributing to the efforts of conservationists and forest departments in protecting endangered species and their habitats.

The customized vans are well equipped with all modern facilities including GPS navigation and movable search lights for 360-degree view at night. They are filled with winches which would be helpful in rescue operations, especially during the monsoons. The vehicles are painted in a way to evade easy detection by poachers and have been modified to suit the steep ghat roads as well as muddy dirt roads.

Moreover, seats along with hoods have been provided to accommodate maximum staff for protection. The vehicles will be deployed in the sensitive areas for use by the tiger protection force, joint task force, and other frontline staff for protection duty.

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Apart from Satkosia, the vans were also launched for Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary, Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandaka.

“Not just Satkosia, the range-level vehicles have also been provided for Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary, Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, and Chandaka. The patrolling vans will play a crucial part in the protection, safety, and security in these reserves,” informed PCCF Susanta Nanda.

“Not just tigers, the patrolling vans will go a long way in the protection of the flora, fauna, and biodiversity of the wildlife sanctuaries. This will empower forest department officials in better protection of wildlife. These are four-by-four vehicles and are also equipped for animal rescue,” he added.

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Nanda also opened up on the train relocation project in Satkosia and said, “Back in 2010, we had 13-15 tigers in Satkosia when the tiger relocation project was announced. Now, we are planning a Tiger Recovery Plan under which 12-14 tigers will be brought to Satkosia.”

“But, this will take time. We have got approval from NTCA, India, but we want local villagers to rehabilitate voluntarily and help us in the tiger relocation project,” Nanda said.