In a letter to the chief minister on April 30, Kishor Rithe, member of SBWL and chief of Satpuda Foundation, had raised concerns on increasing tiger poaching in the state, ineffectiveness of tiger cells and anti-poaching squads and newly formed STPF. He had requested a review of these institutions with forest and home ministry to formulate an effective joint mechanism to tackle growing tiger poaching and wildlife trade.
Taking note of the letter, chief minister's office has instructed principal secretary (forest) Praveen Pardeshi to take appropriate action. It is learnt Pardeshi has instructed all chief conservators (CCFs) to call urgent meeting of district level tiger cells. Rithe, who was instrumental in formation of tiger cells in Maharashtra around a decade ago, called for measures on the lines of Gujarat government, which took some urgent steps after poaching of lions came to fore in Gir. Read the full report here.
Source: Times News Network, Nagpur.
