The Centre and State Government jointly allocated Rs5.86 crore for the conservation of wild animals in Surguja from year 2009 till 2013 and during this period 18 wild animals died in different accident/natural death and poaching incidents.
Replying to a question raised during the ongoing Budget Session in the State legislative Assembly on Monday, the Chief Minister said that the Centre had provided Rs47.27 lakh from the year 2009 to 2013 for the conservation of wild animals and informed that during the same period, the State Government had allocated Rs5.30 crore.
The question was raised by Congress legislator from Sitapur, Amarjeet Bhagat.
Detailing about deaths of wild animals Singh said in the year 2009, two wild animals died in accident/natural death while one was killed by
poachers. In year 2010, 2011 and 2012 no accidental or natural death of wild animals were reported.
However, one poaching case in 2010, two in 2011 and three in 2012 each were reported. In 2013, the number of wild animal death due to accident or natural cause was seven, while two cases of poaching also came into light during the same period.
Describing about steps taken by State Government for stopping poaching the Chief Minister said assistance of Van Prabandhan Samiti (forest management committees) were being taken. The State Police department was also coordinating with Forest department to stop poaching.
In the sensitive areas checking barriers were being set up and anti-poaching squads had also been formed. Apart from these steps public awareness programs were also being organised, he informed.