Jim Corbett National Park launches 'Operation Monsoon'

21st Aug 2010

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Wildlife authorities of Jim Corbett National Park has launched 'Operation Monsoon' to save wildlife from poaching during the rainy season.

The forest officials have launched a night patrolling operation as poaching and smuggling of wildlife increases during the rainy season.

The park is closed down for tourists every year for four months during the monsoon season as the roads become unsafe.
"This operation is being carried out for the security of the wildlife till the rainy season continues," said Kailash Kapil, a forest guard.

The Operation involves about 500 forest staff. The security guards are divided into 8-10 member teams and each group is sent for patrolling in different areas of the forest.

"During the rainy season we increase the patrolling rounds. We employ 2-3 extra flying squads in the area. We keep a watch on all the important roads on which people travel, because many poachers and smugglers come through that way, we block those ways and hammer in nails so that no vehicle enters the area," said Prayag Madhukar, District Forest Officer, Tarai Central Forest Division.

Jim Corbett National Park is spread across 1,300-square km in the Himalayan foothills.