Major Action by the Forest Department: Six Poachers Arrested in the Udanti–Sitanadi Sanctuary Area

Raipur, January 2026 : To curb incidents of poaching in forest areas and to implement effective measures for ensuring the protection of forests and wildlife, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap has been holding continuous meetings with senior forest officials and issuing clear directions for the safety, conservation, and promotion of forests and wildlife. He has also warned that any negligence in this regard will invite strict action. As a result of these efforts, and under the leadership of Forest Minister Shri Kashyap and the able guidance of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), the Forest Department has been continuously conducting anti-snare walk campaigns across various parts of Chhattisgarh, yielding consistent success.

To prevent poaching in forest areas, stringent steps have been taken, including intensified patrolling, deployment of forest personnel, use of modern technology such as drones and trap cameras, involvement of local communities, enforcement of strict laws and penalties, and awareness campaigns. Special vigilance has been increased to stop illegal hunting carried out under the guise of picnics or other activities.

In a major operation against wildlife crime, the Forest Department arrested six poachers in the Od Circle under the Kulhadighat Range of Gariaband district. Continuous monitoring and regular anti-snare walk campaigns are being conducted to curb illegal hunting. Due to the alertness of the Forest Department, two accused from Sunabeda village (Odisha) and four accused from Od village were apprehended.

From the possession of the arrested individuals, forest officials recovered hunting equipment including snares used for trapping rabbits, bows and arrows, and fishing nets. Two separate cases were registered against the accused by filing Preliminary Offence Reports (PORs), and legal action was initiated under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act. All six accused were produced before the Hon’ble Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gariaband, on January 7.

This action by the Forest Department marks a significant step towards ensuring wildlife protection in the region and deterring poachers. The Department has further strengthened its patrolling and surveillance drives to safeguard forests and wildlife, with the aim of preventing such illegal activities in the future.