In perhaps what could be termed as unprecedented? Mr. Chouhan the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh the tiger state of India has transferred the Field Directors of three tiger reserves on account of negligence and dereliction of duty.
As per the news published in Indian Express and the local Jabalpur daily, they are the field directors of Kanha National Park, Panna, and Bandhavgarh tiger reserve in MP. Of late there had been lots of reports of questionable deaths of tigers and mismanagement of the parks.
The tigers of Mukki Range in Kanha have suffered and have been wiped out. The current evidence of tigers there suggests movement from the Kanha Range of the park. Subsequently, pressure came from the Central Government.
The tigers of Mukki Range in Kanha have suffered and have been wiped out. The current evidence of tigers there suggests movement from the Kanha Range of the park. Subsequently, pressure came from the Central Government.
An investigative report conducted by NTCA or National Tiger Conservation Authority states the absence of tigers from key habitats in the parks. This is, by all means, alarming, and more tiger reserves would go the Sariska and Panna way.
The action of the Chief Minister of MP is coupled with an investigation into the performance of past Field directors for evidence of apathy and negligence and a special investigation at Panna for the complete decimation of tigers that have taken place there. An independent committee will conduct a probe as well as at other places where tiger deaths have occurred.
This is a heartening step for tiger conservationists in India and all over the World. Such action would at least reduce negligence and irresponsible governance by the staff at these tiger reserves.
The action of the Chief Minister of MP is coupled with an investigation into the performance of past Field directors for evidence of apathy and negligence and a special investigation at Panna for the complete decimation of tigers that have taken place there. An independent committee will conduct a probe as well as at other places where tiger deaths have occurred.
This is a heartening step for tiger conservationists in India and all over the World. Such action would at least reduce negligence and irresponsible governance by the staff at these tiger reserves.
Rarely have I seen any concerted action from a political big wig in India. But what remains to be seen is what action will be taken against those found guilty?
It must be noted that in many instances the staff and administration have shown neglect and apathy whence protection is concerned. What is required is to place these reserves in a special category and induct highly trained, dedicated, and committed staff who is capable of policing as well managing tiger reserves. All these qualities are prerequisites in top brass as well as those at the grassroots.
I have come across some officers who fit the bill, they should be permanently placed in sensitive biodiversity-rich ecosystems.
