The discovery of two steel traps set at the Rajaji national park a few days ago has once again made alarm bells ring for wildlife activists who have been complaining about the level of wildlife security in the protected forests of the State. Though officials are not confirming the discovery, reliable sources say that two steel traps, spears and other weapons used for poaching were discovered in this national park which is believed to host nine tigers, in addition to a rich and varied wildlife.

Various incidents this year have raised questions about the efficacy of security and management in some parts of the Rajaji national park.

Earlier in February, a tiger was found dead in the Gohri range of Rajaji and said to have died from degeneration of the liver, spleen and kidney though wildlife activists had alleged the possibility of this tiger having been poisoned. About a week ago the Army conducted training in the national park for two days, using ammunition, without receiving the necessary permission from the department.

In the latest development, two steel traps and weapons used by poachers were discovered in the Kansaro range of Rajaji on February 15. On being contacted, the Rajaji field director SP Subudhi said that he was out of station and so could not comment on

the case. Deputy director HK Singh denied discovery of steel traps and said that only one pangolin was found with some members of the Kanjar community last week but the men had escaped.

People for Animals, Uttarakhand member secretary Gauri Maulekhi has written to the chief wildlife warden stating that the pug marks of one of the three tigresses inhabiting Dhaulkhand range of Rajaji have not been seen for six months but the matter has not been investigated. 

"Two steel traps were found installed in compartment number 13 of Kansro range on February 15 but no arrests have been made yet. Earlier this month, another intruder was found carrying a steel trap in Kansro. To prevent these intrusions and to get the Rajaji administration to perform better in the field to prevent poaching, it is important that adequate number of rangers, guards, and foresters are available. Information secured through RTI application has revealed that only two out of 14 forest ranger posts have been filled while 34 of the 150 forest guard posts are vacant," she adds.