JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18: Inter-Agency Coordination Committee meeting on Wildlife Crime Control in Jammu & Kashmir was today convened by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

The meeting was chaired by Suresh Kumar Gupta, Pr. Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)/ Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K. ‘

In his keynote address, the Chief Wildlife Warden mentioned the significance of Wildlife Protected Areas and Uniqueness of Wildlife Flora & Fauna in Jammu & Kashmir. He listed various wildlife crime and illicit wildlife product trade incidents handled by the Department in the last two years. He complimented Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, J&K Police & Forest Protection Force for their support to conduct successful operations.

H. V. Girisha, Additional Director, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Government of India, presented an international and national scenario about wildlife crime, its quantum, ramifications and necessity for control. He shared his experience with respect to handling of such cases in different parts of the country and also mentioned about international obligations on this part.

Ritesh Sarothiya, Regional Deputy Director (North Zone) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau gave a PowerPoint presentation about various aspects of wildlife crime at international and national level. He presented the agenda items one by one for deliberations of the committee. After discussions, it was decided that a massive campaign for awareness and sensitization of frontline workers of various enforcement agencies shall be arranged by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K. It was also decided that adequate emphasis shall be laid on networking and intelligence gathering.

The committee appreciated the constitution of wildlife crime control units; one each at Jammu & Srinagar and stressed for their proper activation. The steps taken by Police Department for modernization of Forensic Labs, having component for wildlife crime forensics, was acknowledged by the committee. It was also decided that a robust mechanism for review and follow up of the decisions shall also be put in place.

The participants in the meeting included Senior Officers and experts from Forest Protection Force, Wildlife Institute of India, Central University of Jammu, Customs, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF, GRP, DRI, CBI, J&K Police, Crime Branch, Prosecution, Airport besides Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and Department of Wildlife Protection. Dr. Pragateesh from Wildlife Crime Control Bureau facilitated the proceedings.