This year, Chhadakhai, the day that marks the end of the holy month of Kartika when most Odias keep off non-vegetarian food, will fall on Thursday. The day would witness killing of many birds and animals since demand for meat and fish would be all time high.
Keeping in mind that poaching of migratory birds, spotted deer, and wild boars may take place wantonly at Bhitarkanika National Park, the wildlife personnel have pulled up their socks to prevent possible poaching. The bird poachers and taxidermists basically wait patiently for this time to earn a fast buck by selling the migratory birds and animal meat, stated Ranger of Kanika Akhaya Kumar Nayak.
The poachers kill wild boar, spotted deer and sambar with the help of haunting dogs and also trap the animals through nylon net. later, they kill the animal and transport the meat to Dhamara, Rajkanika, Jarimula and Paradip locality. In black market, the meat of wild boar is sold at `340 per kg, whereas the venison rate per kg is about `500. The Kanika Forest Range has formed 15 anti poaching squads and deployed them in vulnerable pockets to keep a close eye on taxidermists, informed Ranger Nayak.