Question : POACHING OF RHINO

(a) whether the Government is aware of/ has received any complaint regarding large scale poaching of Rhinos in the Kaziranga National Park and its adjacent habitat in Assam;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the number of rhinos including the one horned rhino killed by poachers and the number of poachers arrested during each of the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether any inquiry has been initiated in this regard, if so, the details and outcome thereof;

(d) the number of encroachers in the park and the action plan of the Government to evict them; and

(e) the security measures being taken to protect the rhinos and wildlife in the said park?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (c) The details of rhinos killed by poachers, suspected poachers killed in encounters and those arrested in the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Assam during last three years and the current year, as per the information received from the State Government, are at Annexure.

The enforcement of wildlife laws at the field level is undertaken by the relevant authorities of the State. Seven rhino poaching cases have been transferred to the CBI for investigation by the State Govt.

(d) Management of the National Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries and maintaining law and order therein is the responsibility of the concerned State Government. The information on encroachment in them is not maintained in the Ministry.

(e) Following measures have been taken for the protection of rhinos and wildlife in the Kaziranga National Park:

i. Kaziranga National Park has been declared as a Tiger Reserve and central assistance is provided for intensive protection and conservation of the area.

ii. Creation and deployment of the Rhino Protection Force by recruiting local youths and with 100% central assistance from Government of India.

iii.24X7 electronic surveillance system has been installed.

iv. Investigation of few recent rhino poaching cases has been handed over to the CBI.

v. Creation of a Rhino Task Force to suggest measures for strengthening rhino conservation in Kaziranga.

vi. A health insurance scheme for Forest Guards is being supported.

vii.Creation of a voluntary group known as ‘Friends for Rhino’ with active local participation.