Guwahati, Feb 11: In the rugged landscapes of Garo Hills, where human-elephant conflicts and illegal wildlife trade persist, the BSF’s vigilance now serves a dual purpose — guarding not just India’s borders but its natural heritage.
A sensitization workshop on wildlife crimes and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, was recently conducted at the Kilapara (Dalu) BSF camp by Meghalaya’s Department of Forests and Environment, in collaboration with the BSF. The session, held on February 7, aimed to prepare BSF personnel to navigate challenges at this intersection of national security and conservation.
Leading the discussions were two experts from Aaranyak, a renowned biodiversity research organization. Hiten K. Baishya, Deputy Head of the Elephant Research and Conservation Division (ERCD), offered practical strategies to mitigate human-elephant conflicts (HEC), a recurring challenge in the area. He shared vital safety tips and low-tech conflict resolution methods that BSF officers could deploy independently.
“Stay alert and read the signs,” Baishya advised, highlighting the importance of understanding elephant behaviour to prevent dangerous encounters. His insights emphasized that BSF personnel, often the first responders in elephant-prone zones, could play a critical role in fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.
On the legal side, Ajoy Kumar Das, Senior Law Consultant at Aaranyak and a practising advocate at the Gauhati High Court demystified wildlife crimes and the nuances of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. He also linked the Act with the provisions of the Border Security Force Act 1968, demonstrating how BSF personnel have the legal authority to tackle cross-border wildlife offences.
Das walked the participants through Section 139(1) of the BSF Act, explaining its significance in curbing illegal wildlife trade. He stressed the importance of legally sound actions when dealing with wildlife crimes and offered clear guidelines on the dos and don’ts during such encounters.
The event was attended by Inspector Simaha Chalam and Sub-Inspector Bhoora Singh of the BSF, along with S.B. Marak, Range Forest Officer of the East & West Garo Hills Wildlife Division, among others.
Read: Meghalaya to host 39th National Games in February or March 2027, confirms IOA
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