Wireless sets for anti-poaching camps

In the year 2005 WPSI raised funds for the purchase of 10 GM 338 Mobile stations and 17 GP 328 Walky Talky sets, to aid the anti-poaching personnels of Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is situated in the southern State of Karnataka. The area has long been recognised as one of the most important tiger habitats in the subcontinent; Bandipur was among the nine Tiger Reserves created in India at the launch of Project Tiger in 1973. It is also classified as a Level I TCU.

According to the official 2001-2002 census the 880 sq km Reserve is home to approximately 82 tigers. Bandipur lies at the heart of an extensive stretch of forest at the confluence of the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills. It is contiguous with Nagarahole National Park and Nugu Sanctuary on its northern edge, and Wynad and Madumulai Sanctuaries (in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu respectively) on the southern edge. The entire area now constitutes the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the first Biosphere Reserve in India. Bandipur is part of one of India's most valuable habitats for species like the tiger and the elephant.

However, tigers in Bandipur, like in the rest of its range, face threats of poaching and loss of habitat. The Reserve – according to a report published in 2001 by the Ministry of Environment of Forests, Government of India - is under tremendous pressure due to poaching, grazing, illegal removal of timber, forest fires and encroachment. The report further states, “poaching and smuggling are to be tackled on a war footing by creating more anti-poaching and anti-smuggling camps in vulnerable areas. This requires creation of infrastructure, arms and ammunition, wireless sets, vehicles and maintenance of roads in the interior.”

To control the situation the Government of India, through Project Tiger, funded a new high frequency wireless communication system for Bandipur Tiger Reserve. This included a large repeater tower, static sets (with towers) for the nine Range Offices and 14 mobile sets for the vehicles used by the Tiger Reserve authorities. However, the 30 anti-poaching camps were established by the Forest Department inside Bandipur Tiger Reserve had no communication facilities. It was felt that this lack of communication by the frontline staff would seriously hamper efforts to curb poaching, illegal encroachment and the management of forest fires.

For this project WPSI worked in coordination with the Principal Chief Wildlife Warden (Karnataka) and Deputy Conservator of Forests, Project Tiger Division, Bandipur. The hand-held wireless sets and mobile stations that have been selected are compatible with the new high frequency communication system, and will greatly aid the anti-poaching camps established in the reserve itself. The sets have now been purchased and are currently awaiting final clearance from the Government of Karnataka (as on 4th January, 2006), before being handed over to the Forest Department in Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The sets were manufactured by Vintron Convergys Ltd, Bangalore.