Villagers on vigil at mobile checkposts in forests

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. “It is because of the villagers and forest officers that the chinkara poaching case came to light. Now with the mobile checkposts in place, it will help step up security,” Khadse said.

The forest department has also taken up a green drive and beautification of Sinhagad and Purandar forts before the Commonwealth Youth Games take off. “Work is progressing fast and we have already got Rs 2 crore for beautifciation of Sinhagad fort,” Khadse said. Before the Youth Games begin, the forest department plans to a green drive on patches of Panchgaon Parvati and Vetal tekdi.