Illicit timber felling is rampant, as politicians and the timber mafia use the administrative breakdown to exploit the forests. The law and order machinery is non-functional and has been totally impotent in providing any support. The saw mills that had been closed in the West Champaran District are again operating in full swing thanks to political pressure and the brute force of the timber mafia.
There has been little or no protection provided to these forests or the staff expected to protect them. The prey base in both these reserves has been almost wiped out, with disastrous consequences for the tiger.
With the elections around the corner, the fate of these reserves seems dismal. Fortunately, nature is on the tiger's side. All it requires is for these reserves to be freed from the apathy of the state government and the forests will heal themselves. But saving them needs widespread public support.
The Chief Minister is probably unaware that the tiger has global and national supporters. Please help spread awareness about the campaign to save the tiger by writing letters, demanding more responsible action from the State Government.
