JAMMU: The Department of Wildlife Protection conducted a training program for wildlife crime control at NIC, Manda, Jammu. While inaugurating the training, Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, Jammu & Kashmir, mentioned that illegal trade in wildlife contraband is next to narcotics in the illegal international market. He stated that the department is regularly monitoring such activities and action is taken under law whenever such incidents are reported. He called upon trainees to take maximum benefit of the program and have free interaction with resource persons.
The trainees comprised of field staff of the Department of Wildlife Protection from various Wildlife Divisions of Jammu Region. The technical sessions were conducted by Dr. Kumar MK, Conservator of Forests, Dr. Vinita from Central University of Jammu, and Dr Vipen Sharma, Director of Research, Wildlife Analytical Laboratories.
The training program also had a mock crime scene, collection of evidence, and framing of the case. The participants were apprised about various parts and products in illegal wildlife trade, as well as the procedure for collection of samples. The trainees were made aware about DNA Forensics and the latest amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
During the discussions, Vijay Kumar, Wildlife Warden, Kathua, Mushtaq Ahmad, Wildlife Warden, Poonch-Rajouri, and Amit Sharma, Wildlife Warden also participated. The program was moderated by Anil Kumar Atri, Wildlife Warden, Jammu.