Orissa to set up legal cell to monitor wildlife cases

BHUBANESWAR - Worried over the increasing killings of wild animals in its foresst, Orissa Thursday decided to set up a legal cell for proper monitoring of cases of wildlife offences.

This was decided in the meeting of the state board for wildlife held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

“The legal cell will be set up soon at Bhubaneswar. It will have legal and expert members. The cell will also train the field staff engaged in wild life conservation,” a board member told IANS.

At least six to seven elephants die in the state from electrocution, and about six elephants get poached every year, official sources said. Non-official sources however say the number could be much more. Similarly the state has gained the dubious distinction of recording large number of other wildlife offences.