In view of the ensuing flood season and its consequent impact on the wildlife of Kaziranga National Park, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday (May 27) took a comprehensive review of flood preparedness and animal safety as well as security with DCs, SPs, officials of forest and veterinary department of Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Biswanath and Karbi Anglong.
To intensify anti-poaching activities at the park, the Chief Minister directed to take urgent step to expedite justice delivery system against the nabbed poachers against whom charge sheets have been filed by engaging a special prosecutor.
He also asked the PCCF to monitor the process every month.
Further to make the forest force more empowered, CM Sarma instructed to increase sophisticated weapons for Assam Forest Protection Force besides providing satellite phones to anti-poaching camps.
He also asked the PCCF to tie up with Mandakata Commando Training Centre for training of the forest personnel.
Moreover, to boost up Wildlife Protection at KNP, CM Sarma asked Home Department to create one post each of Additional SP and DSP under the control of SP Golaghat with clear mandate to serve for the protection of wildlives at the park besides filling up the post of DSP, KNP.
The Chief Minister also advocated measures for improving living conditions of the forest protection force in the State.
CM Sarma also directed to increase ration allowances of the forest force engaged in wildlife protection from the existing Rs 840 to Rs 2000.
He also asked to take up modernization of anti-poaching camps located within Kaziranga National Park to boost up morale of the staff.
Underlining the need for coordinated efforts for wildlife protection, the Chief Minister directed to immediately notify the Special Task Force for KNP under the chairmanship of Special DGP including officials from Majuli district.
He also asked the PCCF to make the Wildlife Health and Research Institute functional soon apart from improving relationships between local people and forest force.
CM Sarma also instructed to expeditiously define the elephant corridor at the national park and implement it early besides settling the issue of rehabilitation grant to be paid to the families evicted from revenue villages under Kaziranga National Park.
Sarma also asked the forest department to submit a proposal regarding development of highlands within the park where animals can take shelter during flood.
He also asked the Director KNP to ensure supply of concentrated feed along with green fodder to the marooned animals.
Further, asking the DCs to ensure complete Covid vaccination of all forest personnel engaged in frontline duty, the CM also directed the Finance and Forest department to ensure early release of ex-gratia to the families of deceased forest personnel.
He also directed the veterinary department to complete vaccination of cattles before the onset of monsoon besides ensuring availability of doctors for immediate service at the Park.
We all must work with a renewed vigor to continue to make Golaghat prosperous, and turn it into one of the best districts of Assam, I advised karyalartas of @bjp4assam, @agpofficial_ and Gana Shakti at Kaziranga today. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/9BAT3XXbYg
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 27, 2021
Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, Health Minister Keshab Mahanta, Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Numal Momin, MLA and Political Secretary of CM Jayanta Malla Baruah and MLAs of Diphu, Howraghat, Baithalangso and Sarupathar, senior administrative, police and forest officials of the State at Kaziranga in Golaghat district were also present during the meeting.
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