FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2001

Wildlife police battle poachers

RAMPUR, India (AFP) - India's northern state of Uttaranchal on Thursday said it planned to set up the country's first wildlife police station at a prestigious sanctuary to prevent rampant poaching.

The announcement came as two male tigers were overnight found dead in the Corbett National Park.

State Home Secretary Vijendra Paul said the police station would be set up soon on the fringe of Corbett Park and would support ill-equipped rangers guarding the 518-square kilometre (207-square mile) state-run sanctuary.

"We have also set up a taskforce which will meet on March 17 to chalk out strategies against poaching," he said in Rampur town, 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the park, which is closed to visitors during winter.

 

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