This discussion is going way off-topic, but it is atleast going in the right direction Quote:
Originally Posted by COUGAR There is a background to the what happened in Sariska and what is happening in Panna and other forests. Blaming the forest staff is not only innacurate but also pointless because eventually you need the forest staff to get anything done. Unles syou suggest we disband the forest service! The forest staff at Sariska were earlier constrained by govt orders not to act against poachers who came from a community which traditionally voted for them. Govt staff can only work if they have the freedom to work: free of political pressures.
The same thing is happening in Panna: and part of the reason is that some political parties are playing votebank politics with Tribals encouraging tribals to move into forests: we see this disturbing trend in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and now Karnatka as well. in karnataka the issue is further complicated with the involvement of local mining and timber lobbies.
Heres how it works: the forest staff can detain people but have no powers to arrest. They hand over the people to the police who may or may not act depending on the situation. This was what was happening in Rajsthan in both Sariska and Ranthambore. Can you really blame them?
| I believe no government in India has a working wildlife policy. When this is the case, how can you expect any progress in these issues. I pity the forest department.
Firstly, they are grossly understaffed and under equipped. They do not have proper gear to move around in the forests.
Secondly, most of the staff are under daily wages and even that is not being paid to them for months together.
If this the case, how do they sustain their families? It is obvious that they will involve themselves in poaching or in helping poachers to earn some money. If the department pays the salaries, maybe the staff will be less tempted to help poachers. Most of the field staff are tribals and have good knowledge of the forests. It is upto the department to use their knowledge and manage the forests effectively.
Do animals have voting rights? No, they don't. Then how can we expect any politician to take a step towards wildlife preservation. Even if we have dedicated officials, they will be forced to work according to the ruling govt's wishes.
Recently, the highway between Gundlupet & Gudalur and Gundlupet & Sultan Bathery was closed down at night. But, it was withdrawn even before the order was executed . I think this was because of the private bus lobby. These private buses never slow down either in the forest or in other roads.
When this is the case, how do you expect conservation? These two highways have very high traffic and it is very detrimental for the wildlife in the area. Most of the animals will be cut off from different areas of the forest.
I don't know where we are heading with this kind of attitude towards nature.
When the wildlife is forced to make compromises, why can't we?????
Last edited by addyhemmige : 15th June 2009 at 12:44.
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