'SSB can play key role to curb trans-border wildlife crimes'

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Personnel of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) entrusted to guard India's border with Bhutan were sensitized and enlightened on Friday on the key roles they are expected to play in curbing trans-border wildlife crimes that are thriving across nations on the globe.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and Aaranyak (www.aaranyak.org) successfully conducted workshop on prevention of wildlife crime and intelligence gathering with 23rd Battalion of SSB at Lalpool, Udalguri district on Friday. The programme was a part of theongoing series of programmes organised to raise awareness level among the SSB personnel in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh about the need to curb wildlife crimes in the region. The initiative undertaken by the Aaranyak, a top-notch biodiversity conservation and research organization based in Guwahati and WCCB also aims to sensitize the SSB personnel entrusted with guarding the countries frontier.

Internationally reputed rhino-conservation experts and the CEO of Aaranyak, Dr Bibhab Kumar Taklukdar started the workshop by making a detail fact-studded presentation on wildlife crime scenario across the globe. He specifically discussed how SSB personnel can help prevent wildlife crimes by reducing trans-border crimes, entry and exit of illegal wildlife products in and out of India. He also stressed on preventing smuggling and other illegal activities across border, which pose threat to national security.

SSB's Assistant Commandant, Rajat Pandey inaugurated the programme by welcoming participants and explaining the purpose of the workshop. Assistant Director of WCCB, J. Baro also highlighted how SSB has an important role in prevention of wildlife crimes and trade in wildlife parts. He called for strengthening intelligence gathering apparatus, patrolling and raising awareness level among personnel on wildlife crime scenario and relevant law provisions in vogue to deal with such crimes.

He also discussed about various cases WCCB were involved in and the details of seizures of different wildlife products.

Intelligence assistant of the WCCB, Hiten Bora spoke about intelligence gathering, steps for detaining offenders, about informants and informers as well as about decoy dealing. The session also had practical session on identifying various wildlife products first hand.

Deputy Commandant of the SSB Anil Kumar Pal concluded the workshop by thanking all the participants. He also distributed the certificates along with Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar. As many as 40 SSB officers and personnel participated in the workshop provided positive feedback and significantly requested for a two-day long workshop with practical sessions.

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