Poaching becomes rampant in erstwhile Khammam

Khammam: Of late, the poaching activity has become rampant in both Khammam and Bhadradri-Kothagudem districts. With the Forest officials, who are supposed to conduct checks, getting busy with continuous elections, the poachers are having field days and resorting to indiscriminate killing of wild animals. Due to lack of action and monitoring, rare animals are being caught and killed. The wire meshes and iron boxes set to up to catch the animals are sometimes becoming death traps for human beings and cattle.

According to sources, many have made poaching their livelihood especially in Burgampahad, Bayyaram, Tallada, Aswaraopet and Dammapet mandals where the activity is high. Three days ago, poachers have killed a bear at Tallada forest limits and was caught by the Forest officials while he was trying to sell its meat. Similarly, a few days ago some poachers killed a deer in Burgampahad mandal forest limits and caught by the officials while taking its meat for selling.

In Bayyaram mandal, the Forest officials arrested two persons for killing a wild boar through electric wire. Some poachers are even selling the meat of the animals in the open market defying the rules. Meanwhile, there is a huge demand for the meat of deer, wild boar and some other animals in the open market. A kg of mutton is sold for Rs 500 and more.

District Forest Officer of Bhadradri-Kothagudem S Rambabu, speaking to the media, said, "We have focused on poaching activity and taking steps to prevent it. But sometimes it is taking place in interior places where our reach in minimum. We are also registering cases and sending them to jail. However, after coming out they are again resorting to poaching. We are taking steps to curb this practice."