Poaching Net: One Held, One Flees as 33 Migratory Birds Found Dead in Odisha's Chilika Lake
Image Source: Internet
Berhampur, Odisha - In a shocking incident, the Odisha Forest Department has arrested a 35-year-old man for poaching migratory birds in the Chilika lake. The accused, Pradeep Mallick, was caught red-handed with 33 dead birds belonging to three different species - Northern Shoveller, Northern Pintail, and Pheasant-tailed Jacan. The birds, which come under the protected category under the Wildlife Protection Act, were found in two gunny bags during a patrolling exercise. Another accused in the case managed to flee from the spot, and a search operation is underway to apprehend him. According to Divisional Forest Officer Amlan Nayak, the Forest Department has intensified patrolling across the lake area, which spans over 1,165 square kilometers in three districts. The department has also set up 21 temporary anti-poaching camps and is using drones to detect poaching activities. The Forest Department has been collecting intelligence inputs on poaching activities and has focused on areas where migratory birds congregate, such as Nalabana and Tangi range areas. The department has also collected tissue samples from the dead birds for forensic analysis. The Chilika lake, which is a major habitat for migratory birds, has seen the arrival of several lakhs of birds this winter. The Forest Department is working to ensure the safety and conservation of these birds, and the poaching incident has triggered a crackdown on illegal activities in the area.
