Chandigarh: Forest officials take measures to save animals from road accidents

CHANDIGARH: Learning lesson from the tragic episode of Sambhar accident in November last year, the wildlife officials have taken a number of effective measures to deal with such accidents. The sambar after colliding with a vehicle on the roundabout of sector 3,4,9,10 of the city had suffered grievous injuries and died.
Abdul Qayum, deputy conservator of forest (DCF) has constituted a task force under his chairmanship with a veterinary officer of UT administration, representative of Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and range forest officers as other members. He has also devised Standard Operating procedures to deal with such accidents. "Veterinary doctors of different areas such as Manimarja, Hallomajra, Dhanas etc are taken on board in handling wildlife cases. It has been made mandatory for them to reach on accident site and handle the injured animal. Those who would refuse or show negligence will have to face punitive measures," Qayum told TOI.

In a study of the past three years of wildlife accidents, 38 locations have been identified where animals suffered injuries in the accidents across the city. The department is installing new signage on the speed limit on these locations. "We will write to SSP (Traffic) Chandigarh to ensure monitoring of speed limit and to the Engineering department to build multiple speed breakers at all such junctions in the interest of Wildlife safety," he said.

He also added that the department has procured new tranquilising guns to control the agitated animal. One old tranquilising gun had become defunct for many years. A dedicated vehicle equipped with smooth hydraulic based lifting has been procured to transport rescue animals to new rescue centres, one at Nepali and Kansas forest. A driver and two staff members will be reaching at the site of the accident within 30 minutes anywhere and at any time in the city.

"Wildlife squad team has been provided new uniform as well as ID cards to enable them to seek entry in such crisis without loss of any time. New wireless sets will soon be procured," said Qayum.

Measures taken by the wildlife officials

1. ID-Cards for the Wildlife Squad team

2. 24x7 duties for handling Wildlife Cases

3. Hydraulic Based lifting of injured/dead animals

4. Hotline Number for WL Rescue (0172-2700217)-

5. Standing Task force Constituted.

6. Captivity or Enclosure for rescued animals

7. Tranquillizing of animals

8. Reserving one vehicle in office premise