- Wildlife forensic training completed under the guidance of Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap
- 78 forest officials and veterinary experts trained for scientific investigation of elephant deaths
The Chhattisgarh government is continuously taking important steps to make wildlife conservation more effective. In this regard, a two-day special training program was organized in Raigarh under the guidance of Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap and the leadership of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force Shri Arun Kumar Pandey. Held on the occasion of World Environment Day, this training was attended by 78 forest officials and veterinary experts from various forest areas of the state. The objective of the training was to scientifically investigate the causes of elephant deaths, identify wildlife crimes, and strengthen conservation efforts.
- Preparing to tackle the challenges of human-elephant conflict
Chhattisgarh currently has approximately 450 elephants roaming the country. This training was conducted in response to the increasing elephant activity in districts like Raigarh, Jashpur, Korba, and Surajpur. Experts stated that accurate information about the actual causes of elephant deaths will help prevent such incidents in the future and make wildlife conservation efforts more effective.
- Elephant’s death to be considered a potential crime scene
During the training, officers were informed that an elephant found dead in the forest is not just a wildlife death case, but also a potential crime scene. Therefore, special training was provided on scene security, evidence collection, identification of poisoning, poaching, or other suspicious activities, and scientific investigation procedures.
- Information provided on forensic investigation and sample preservation
Experts briefed forest officials and veterinarians on elephant anatomy, health management, and scientific procedures for death investigation. The training also included safe methods for collecting, preserving, and laboratory testing biological samples. Special emphasis was placed on preparing legal evidence and preserving documents and evidence necessary for court proceedings in cases involving wildlife crimes, especially ivory smuggling.
On the second day of the training, participants received practical
field training in autopsy, blood and tissue sample collection, pathological and toxicological testing, and safe investigations in difficult terrain. This will enhance the officers’ technical competence and efficiency.
Expert institutions shared their experiences.
Experts from the Wildlife Institute of India, the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, and the Institute of Wildlife Forensic and Health Studies provided information on modern investigation techniques and scientific methods. Several senior officials, including Mrs. Priyanka Pandey, Field Director of the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, also actively participated in the training.
Wildlife conservation will receive a new boost.
Through the training, all 78 participants received training in standardized scientific procedures for investigating deaths of elephants and other wildlife. This will further strengthen the Forest Department’s capacity for forensic investigation, disease surveillance, wildlife crime control, and conservation. Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap stated that the state government is giving top priority to wildlife conservation. Through modern technologies, scientific research, and capacity building, continuous efforts are being made to ensure the safety of all wildlife, including elephants, and to reduce human-wildlife conflict. This training program is an important initiative in that direction, which will provide a new impetus to the long-term conservation of elephants and better wildlife management in the state.