Training on crime prevention

District Forest Officer A. Periasamy explaining to eco-development committee members and panchayat ward members their role on crime control and fire protection in forests, at a function held inside Anamalai Tiger Reserve area in Tirupur district. Photo: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Officials of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and Anamalai Tiger Reserve carried out a special campaign-cum-training programme to create awareness among different stakeholders on crime prevention and fire protection inside the Anamalai Tiger Reserve area falling under Tirupur district.

District Forest Officer A. Periasamy, who is also the Deputy Director of Anamalai Tiger Reserve, told The Hindu that tribal people who are members of eco development committees, and ward members in panchayats like Nanjampatti, Manupatti and Dhali that lie close to the Tiger Reserve were taught to gather intelligence about any suspected movements of Maoists or smugglers. “Help from these people are vital in crime control measures,” he added.

Steps that need to be taken during the outbreak of forest fire too were explained.

Inspector Mathivanan of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and Forest Department officials from Udumalpet interacted with the tribal people.