
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Southern Region, held an awareness drive at VV Ramaiah village in Cherla forest range, Kothagudem district, targeting tribal communities. The programme, in collaboration with the forest…
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Southern Region, held an awareness drive at VV Ramaiah village in Cherla forest range, Kothagudem district, targeting tribal communities. The programme, in collaboration with the forest department and Meraki organisation, aimed to educate residents about the legal consequences of hunting, trapping, and trading wild animals. Officials detailed the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and urged villagers to cooperate with authorities and report suspicious activities. District forest officer Siddharth Vikram Singh praised the initiative and called for sustained awareness among forest-fringe communities.
This awareness drive is welcome, but it must not be a one-off event. Tribal communities living near forests often face the brunt of wildlife conflicts, yet they are also the best protectors if engaged properly. The narrative that tribals are the main poachers is simplistic. The focus should be on sustainable livelihoods and addressing root causes like poverty. Will the forest department follow up with regular meetings and concrete support for these communities?
Source: telanganatoday.com
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