Forest authorities are intensifying measures to counter the upswing in illegal wildlife activities during the year-end festivities in the Itanagar Capital Complex area. Senior Forest officers, including DCF Wildlife, Dy. Chief Wildlife Warden (Naharlagun), DFO Banderdewa, and Range Forest Officers, recently convened to strategize against the unlawful sale and consumption of wild meat.
Throughout the meeting, the emphasis was on the stringent prohibition of hunting, possession, transport, consumption, and sale of wild meat under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Violators may face imprisonment of up to 7 years or fines. The meeting also addressed concerns about the unlawful possession of arms within the Capital area, prompting a call for penalties under Section (31) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Forest authorities outlined plans to heighten vigilance through comprehensive vehicle checks at forest check gates, conduct frequent market raids, increase patrolling in forest areas, and activate an intelligence network. Collaboration with district administration and police is actively sought, with potential requisitioning of personnel from Police, ITBP, and CRPF. To dissuade such activities, scheduled awareness programs and meetings with citizens, government functionaries, and public leaders aim to educate and discourage participation.
In a public advisory, citizens are reminded that hunting, possession, transport, consumption, and sale of wild meat are strictly prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Offenders risk imprisonment and fines. Carrying weapons inside a sanctuary area is illegal under Section (31) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with substantial penalties. The public is urged to refrain from engaging in such activities and report any incidents promptly to the concerned forest authorities or this office.
