Raipur: In a significant step to safeguard the dwindling tiger population in Chhattisgarh, the Forest Department has announced the deployment of sniffer dogs to combat poaching and related crimes. This initiative follows concerns raised by wildlife enthusiasts over the increasing threats to tigers in the region.

Proposal for Sniffer Dog Squads

The decision comes after wildlife conservationist Nitin Singhvi suggested introducing sniffer dog squads during an April 18 meeting involving forest officials, NTCA representatives, and local NGOs. Acting on the recommendation, the department plans to establish a sniffer dog squad at every forest division level.

The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests has directed all divisional forest officers and tiger reserve directors to submit detailed proposals within seven days, including budget estimates for training and deployment. The proposals will be forwarded to WWF India for support and funding.

History of Sniffer Dogs in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh has previously utilized sniffer dogs for wildlife crime investigations. Notably, two trained dogs, Simba (Belgian Malinois) and Nero (German Shepherd), served for over seven years, assisting in solving numerous cases, including murders and thefts, before retiring in 2023. Their contributions were significant, helping track down poachers and illegal activities in various districts. Wildlife advocates have also called for pensions for retired sniffer dogs to ensure their post-service welfare.

Current Sniffer Dog Deployment

At present, Chhattisgarh has four active sniffer dogs deployed across different districts: Rosie (German Shepherd) in Kanker Veera (German Shepherd) in Jungle Safari Julie and Jessie (Belgian Shepherds) in Gomarda. These dogs play a crucial role in assisting forest rangers in tracking poachers and illegal activities in forest reserves.

Why the Initiative Matters

The state has seen a steady decline in its tiger population due to poaching and habitat loss. The Forest Department believes that deploying sniffer dogs across national parks, tiger reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries will bolster anti-poaching measures and aid in swift crime detection.

Future Plans

The Forest Department aims to train new sniffer dogs for deployment under the guidance of experts. These trained squads will not only protect tigers but also help in solving forest crimes efficiently. This move aligns with the department’s commitment to preserving wildlife and ensuring stricter enforcement of forest laws.