With the advent of the monsoon season and the increased scope for wildlife crime during this period, the authorities in Corbett tiger reserve have enhanced patrolling and raised the level of alertness. This monsoon season will also be the first time when the elephants recently brought from Karnataka will also be used in the patrolling work here.
As part of its ‘operation monsoon’ the Corbett administration has increased patrolling inside the tiger reserve apart from also coordinating efforts for inter-state patrolling with adjoining areas of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. For the enhanced level of wildlife security, the tiger reserve administration has deployed 200 additional workers with a total 500 watchers for necessary tasks. Additionally, the 15 trained elephants recently brought from the state of Karnataka will also be deployed in the patrolling work in the current monsoon. At present the six elephants in Corbett are being deployed for the patrolling work.
Providing this information, the Corbett tiger reserve deputy director Amit Verma said that patrolling has been intensified here with the advent of the monsoon season. To remain alert towards any potential threat to wildlife and forests, 40 forest posts have been established to maintain a special watch.
Adequate rations have been provided in all the forest posts. All wildlife security and precautionary measures are being taken during the enhanced level of alertness which will be maintained till the month of October.
It should be mentioned here that Corbett is closed for tourists during the monsoon season. During the rains, the wildlife in Corbett face a heightened threat of poachers and other wildlife criminals from the adjoining areas falling in the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh.
A considerable number of poachers and wildlife criminals attempt to sneak into Corbett from the neighbouring areas of Uttar Pradesh. The poachers generally target tigers, leopards and other wildlife in Corbett when the wildlife criminals attempt to exploit the change in scenario brought about by the rains.