Unsafe Similipal? Senior citizens seek President Droupadi Murmu's intervention

Senior citizens' forum and other organisations have expressed concern over rising incidents of poaching at Similipal national park and other illegal wildlife trade. The forum members have now sought the intervention of President Droupadi Murmu. At present, a campaign has been launched on social media and the members are urging people to support the cause.

The Similipal national park is a protected area and is a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

"Mayurbhanj's pride is Similipal. It seems that the animals are not safe. Nobody is speaking about Similipal and for the protection of its ecology. We hope that things will change as the President is also from Mayurbhanj," said a member of the senior citizens' forum.

Also Read: Poaching of elephant inside Similipal, 4 poachers arrested

The members alleged that the political leaders are silent and the Odisha government is also not taking any measures for its protection.

Earlier, it was proposed for the deployment of central forces, but nothing has been done yet. If CRPF is deployed, there will be no poaching of animals and cutting down of trees can also be checked, the members said.

"Since long, we have been hearing reports of elephants being killed; and wildlife trade is rampant here. The officials who have been given responsibility are also silent," alleged another member.

(Reported by Maniklal Pani)