Baripada: Though ironic to the purpose that it meant to serve, the Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) for census of tigers have been able to track down the poachers on the hunt for the big cats. Installation of the CCTV cameras by the administration for counting of tigers in the reserve has unearthed the poaching activities within the reserve forest.
Acting on the evidence captured by these cameras, the Wildlife department has been able to identify and catch some of the poachers who have been exposed during their hunt for tigers with bows and arrows and other traditional weapons.
Similarly, after identification, the photographs of other perpetrators have been circulated to among the department officials and a ‘wanted’ list has been prepared to nab them, according to sources.
“We have already nabbed a few poachers and circulated the photographs of others. As we don’t have enough information about them, we are facing some difficulties in tracking them down,” said Harischandra Bis, principal wildlife conservator of the STR.
The CCTV cameras are installed in the demarcated core areas within the sanctuary. The photographs of poachers have been captured by the cameras installed in Satakosia, Guruguria, Kendumundi, Meghasana, Baladaghar, STR-60 and STR-9 areas of the sanctuary spreading across 400 square km.