Villagers on vigil at mobile checkposts in forests

  • 21/09/2008

  • Indian Express (Mumbai)

Pune, September 21 The forest department has set up mobile checkposts in the district after the chinkara poaching case involving state minister Dharmaraobaba Atram. Deputy conservator of forests (Pune) Ashok Khadse said two mobile teams are maintaining strict vigil on the forests. These have been started with the help of villagers, who will keep an eye open for poachers seeking to hunt endangered species in Indapur, Mulshi, Daund and Pune talukas. Atram was charged with killing a chinkara, an endangered species, at Chaudharwadi in Pune district on June 14. The minister absconded for a few days, was arrested later and then granted bail. Forest officers said the case could be cracked because of the vigilance of local villagers.