Saving the big cats

Officials have launched a patrolling operation in Corbett National Park to save tigers and other animals during the monsoon:

Vipul Goel

The forest officials of Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand state have launched a patrolling operation in the park in order to save tigers and other animals in the monsoon season. The park is closed down for tourists every year for four months during the monsoon season as the roads become unsafe. The forest officials have launched 'Operation Monsoon' which involves long and short range patrolling to check hunting and other illegal activities during this period.

"In the last few years we have improved our security tactics. 'Long Distance Patrolling' is one successful measure. We are trying to enhance the beat-level patrol. All this is done in a positive direction to upgrade the security system. We are also in contact with the surrounding units and often go for joint-patrols. We are also doing an inter-state patrol with Uttar Pradesh," said U.C. Tiwari, warden of the National Park.

The operation involves about 500 forest staff. The security guards are divided in to the group of 8-10 members and each group is sent for patrolling in different areas of the forest.

"In the forest area surrounding Corbett, where tigers roam, we try to ensure the safety of the tigers. So, we are making efforts to enhance the security of Jim Corbett by involving public support and help in increasing the digit (of number of tigers)," said Tiwari.

Jim Corbett National Park, the 1,300-square km reserve at the Himalayan foothills, has 164 tigers of the remaining 1411 tiger population in India.