Adilabad:S. Shantharam, conservator of forests and field director of Kawal Tiger Reserve, has mandated the closure of all check posts from 9 pm to 6 am to enhance wildlife protection in the district.
Previously, forest officers were collecting environmental fees from four-wheelers at the Thapalpur check post in Jannaram, Mancherial district. In orders issued in January, Shantharam explained that this decision was made to safeguard the habitat of tigers and other wild animals.
Shantharam criticised field officers for not adhering to the rules and conditions set by the State Board of Wildlife (SBWL). He reported that field staff were allowing non-local vehicles to pass after 9 pm, which poses a threat to the wildlife in the reserve.
He instructed the field officers to strictly follow the SBWL’s regulations regarding the nighttime closure of check posts and warned of disciplinary actions for any violations of these orders.
Additionally, Shantharam requested the district forest officers of Mancherial, Nirmal, and Adilabad, along with the forest divisional officers of Jananram, Khanapur, and Utnoor, to issue necessary instructions to all field officers. The directive emphasized the importance of adhering to the closure of check posts from 9 pm to 6 am to ensure the safety and protection of the reserve’s wildlife.
