Bhubaneswar, February 18: Following the alarming incident where a calf in Ghasipura, Keonjhar district, was severely injured after ingesting a crude explosive device meant for hunting wild boar, Odisha police and forest officials have raised serious concerns regarding the illegal use of bait bombs.
Dr. Satyajit Naik, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Central Range, Cuttack, on Tuesday organized a video conference to discuss the escalating issue. The meeting brought together Superintendents of Police from seven districts within the Central Range, along with forest officials, the RCCF-cum-Field Director of Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and DFOs from the Athgarh and Cuttack Divisions.
The discussions were focused on the alarming rise of bait bomb use in the areas of Athgarh, Badamba, and Narasinghpur. The participants addressed the dangerous trend, which is not only harming wildlife but also putting livestock and public safety at significant risk. The use of such illegal explosives is undermining ongoing conservation efforts and endangering local communities.
To confront this threat, the Odisha Police and Satkosia Tiger Reserve authorities are collaborating to implement a comprehensive joint action plan. The strategy will include the following measures:
Planned initiatives include the gathering of joint intelligence, coordinated raids, and strict enforcement of existing laws. Authorities are also urging local communities to report any sightings or incidents involving bait bombs, stressing that public involvement is key to tackling this growing menace. The primary objective is to eradicate the use of explosives and strengthen wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
