Strong resentment is brewing among wildlife lovers of Mayurbhanj district over appointment of Honourary Wildlife Wardens by the State authorities recently.
Recent notification with names of selected Honourary Wildlife Wardens in Mayurbhanj district has been opposed by different quarters, including animal lovers. Some animal lovers have too appraised the Forests and Environment Secretary about their concern. The appointments have been made in vested interest contrary to the guidelines, they alleged.
“The individuals who have been nominated for the posts for Baripada, Rairangpur and Karanjia divisions don’t fulfill any of the criteria of appointment for the post. They don’t have any field experience,” said Bibhudatta Das, a wildlife lover.
He further alleged that these posts have been distributed to accommodate and satisfy some people without considering genuine need for wildlife protection. The decision should be reconsidered in the interest of flora and fauna,” he said. “It’s disappointing that inexperienced persons have been appointed as Wildlife Wardens in Mayurbhanj, which houses one of the biggest national parks of the country. Besides the district is bordering Bihar and West Bengal where rampant poaching of wild animals, illegal tree cutting and unauthorised transport of forest produce are on the rise,” they observed.
When contacted, Baripada DFO Sanjay Swain said “The names of genuine persons were recommended but now a new name is found in the notification.” “I am not in position to tell how the name was altered,” he said.
The candidates selected for Rairangpur and Karanjia divisions have also come as a surprise to wildlife lovers and activists.