Lack of manpower threatening rhino protection in Kaziranga: CAG

Protection and movements of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros at the world heritage site of Kaziranga National Park (KNP) has been severely compromised and hindered due to large-scale irregular constructions, inadequate manpower to arrest poaching and non-declaration of eco-sensitive zones (ESZ's) said a Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The CAG team inspected on ground, the various circles of the KNP and found that on national highway – 37 (NH 37) that is part of many animal corridors is dotted with establishments.

The report says that there is an uncontrolled and ever increasing construction/human settlements with urbanisation at places, commercial activities/mining had contributed to blocking majority of the stretch of NH 37 including the designated animal corridors. Non-declaration of ESZ for long period of time has had a direct bearing on such activities, detrimental to the well being of animals.

The CAG has cautioned that, "the dangerous trend (of irregular constructions), if not checked immediately and permanently could lead to an irreversible impact on conservation and protection of wildlife with the potential threat that in case of a major fllod, majority of internationally acclaimed species – one horned rhinos- would be wiped out, forever.

"The eco-sensitive zone for the park could not be finalised and notified for more than 12 years. Even the default notification of Centre dated July 2013 had not been acted upon. Consequently, there had been largescale construction of houses, multi-storied buildings, dhabas and parking lots in the ESZ," the report added. In Bokakhat Circle, 29 resorts/dhabas have been running for periods ranging up to 40 years on land falling within 2-3kms of the KNP boundary, majority of which belong to the agricultural class. In some cases, the land pattern has been changed from agricultural land to commercial land.

On the issue of poaching, which KNP has become infamous for, the CAG has found many loopholes. The report says, "a large number of weapons are lying unserviceable and wildlife guards are not trained to handle these. The available arms are not dependable as these are old and have become defective and are prone to misfire."

There is also a shortage of manpower against the sanctioned strength. Dearth of manpower coupled with lack of training is one of the main contributing factors for inability of the wildlife authority in effectively tackling poaching problem. The weaponry available with the park authorities were outdated with the numbers of gadgetry was grossly inadequate. There is no special allowance for guards who are engaged in arduous duties, except tiger allowance. The CAG has pointed out that there is a disparity in granting allowances to wildlife guards, casual labourers and AFPF jawans. A number of anti-poaching camps were found in dilapidated condition and needed immediate repairs while even drinking water supply and power supply is irregular.

There is dearth of anti-poaching camps on the boundary coupled with absence of a fool proof periphery protection plan. Due to the lack of an effective management plan, there is erosion of land mass by Brahmaputra river on north side of KNP.

Loopholes in anti-poaching plan
On the issue of poaching, which KNP has become infamous for, the CAG has found many loopholes. The report says, "a large number of weapons are lying unserviceable and wildlife guards are not trained to handle these. The available arms are not dependable as these are old and have become defective and are prone to misfire." There is dearth of anti-poaching camps on the boundary coupled with absence of a fool proof periphery protection plan. Due to the lack of an effective management plan, there is erosion of land mass by Brahmaputra river on north side of KNP.