The Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha has significantly strengthened its wildlife protection measures for the monsoon season by establishing 214 anti-poaching camps and deploying more than 1,000 trained security personnel across the reserve. The annual initiative aims to prevent illegal hunting and ensure continuous surveillance during the rainy months, when forest conditions often make enforcement more challenging.

According to Similipal Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) and Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni, the protection network includes 12 Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) camps located in sensitive and vulnerable areas. In addition, personnel stationed at STPF camps and 25 special camps are conducting round-the-clock patrols, with particular emphasis on night surveillance to deter poachers.

Covering nearly 2,750 square kilometres, Similipal is one of India’s most important tiger landscapes. Forest officials said that monsoon patrolling had previously been hampered by damaged roads, poor communication networks and limited vehicle access, creating opportunities for poachers to infiltrate the reserve. However, improvements in road connectivity, communication infrastructure, vehicle availability and the use of AI-based camera monitoring systems have considerably strengthened protection efforts.

To improve the efficiency of field operations, frontline forest staff have been equipped with anti-leech shoes, raincoats, torches, emergency medicines, safe drinking water and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Patrolling teams have also been instructed to physically verify at least 100 designated locations every day, ensuring intensive monitoring across the reserve.

Recognising the health challenges faced by staff working in the monsoon, the Forest Department has organised health camps within the reserve. Medical teams are providing treatment for fungal infections, fever, colds and vector-borne diseases such as malaria, helping frontline personnel remain fit for duty throughout the season.

The enhanced protection strategy reflects Odisha’s continued commitment to safeguarding Similipal’s rich biodiversity, including its tiger population, from poaching and other illegal activities during one of the most challenging periods of the year.