Dachigam, 30th November 2024: Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in partnership with the Department of Wildlife Protection Jammu & Kashmir, and with support from Astral Foundation and Thin Green Line UK organised a 3-day ‘Wildlife Crime Prevention Training’ from November 26-28 at the Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) in Dachigam National Park. The training saw active participation from 50 frontline staff from the North, South, Shopian, Central, and Rajouri-Poonch divisions. The primary objective of the workshop was to enhance the knowledge and skills of frontline personnel in combating poaching and illegal wildlife trade in the region.

The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Parvaiz Ahmad Wani, Wildlife Warden Central Division, alongside  Mr. Tawheed Ahmad Deva, IFS, Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, Mr. Intesar Suhail, Wildlife Warden, North, and Mr. Rashid Yahya Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden, J&K Headquarters.

Shri. Rashid Yahya Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden, Headquarters, J&K addressing the officers | Photo by Sreenanth K/ WTI

The training highlighted the significant challenges faced by authorities in wildlife crime prevention in the region, with insightful contributions from a range of experts.

Mr. Lovish Sharma, Advocate at the High Court of Delhi, a Specialist in the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Mr. A. Pragatheesh, Wildlife Crime Prevention Bureau (WCCB), Mr. Biswajeet Saikia, OIC, SRO, Amritsar, WCCB, Mr. Jose Louies, CEO, WTI, Dr. Tanushree Srivastava, Manager & Head, J&K Projects, WTI and Mr. Rudra Prasanna Mahapatra, Manager & Head Training Cell, WTI, were among the key speakers addressing the participants.

The training was conducted by experts from WTI, the Wildlife Department, WCCB and Delhi High Court | Photo by Sreenanth K/ WTI

The training curriculum included an in-depth exploration of the legal and enforcement aspects of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as well as key wildlife crime prevention measures. These covered topics such as anti-poaching patrolling techniques, intelligence gathering, informer networks, search and seizure procedures, crime scene investigation, and the preparation of Preliminary Offence Reports. The participants were also oriented with relevant provisions under the Indian Evidence Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, empowering them to prosecute wildlife crimes effectively.

Practical sessions including field investigations, illegal wildlife article identification, cyber wildlife trade awareness, and anti-snare walks followed the theoretical session. These hands-on exercises provided participants with the necessary skills to tackle wildlife crime in the field.

Mr. Biswajeet Saikia took a practical session on illegal wildlife article identification | Photo by Sreenanth K/ WTI

Rashid Yahya Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden—J&K, Headquarters, stated that a deep commitment is being demonstrated towards enhancing efforts in wildlife crime control, especially within the unique context of Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasised that this initiative would equip the team with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively combat wildlife crime and protect the region’s precious biodiversity.

Lovish Sharma, Advocate at the High Court of Delhi remarked that the three-day training on wildlife crime prevention in Kashmir is part of the continuous and collaborative efforts by WTI and the Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K against the wildlife crime and illegal wildlife trade in the region.

Jose Louies, CEO, WTI observed that the impact of previously conducted training sessions was reflected in the participants’ improved knowledge levels. It was further noted that the next step involves providing legal support to the frontline staff, ensuring that the acquired knowledge will be applied effectively during case management in the courts.