Assam Government Launched Anti-Depredation Squads In 15 Districts

GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has launched anti-depredation squads across 15 districts afflicted by major human-wildlife conflict in order to mitigate the problem and to ensure safety of both humans and wildlife.

The Forest Department will be deputing 50 frontline staff trained to handle conflict situations for this purpose. The Department will be training 100 more staff in the coming days.

The anti-depredation squad will be well equipped with all required logistics required for mitigating the conflict, stated a release.

The Anti-Depredation Squads was formally launched by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Environment and Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya on Thursday at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati.

Speaking at the programme, Chief Minister Sonowal said that loss of lives of both humans and animals is unwarranted and the squads must spread awareness about avoiding man animal conflicts. Peaceful coexistence is must for man and animals and squads would be a great addition to Forest Department in order to reduce casualties in conflict situations. He emphasised on the need to bring the casualties to zero by completely reducing man-animal conflict situations and urged the people of the State to cooperate with squads in spreading awareness about animal behaviour. The Chief Minister also distributed weapons and equipments to the squads at programme. As of now, 150 mumbers of 12 Bore pump action guns and 15,000 rounds of rubber bullet ammunition will be at the disposal of the squads.

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