In addition, the army, which has been assigned with park security, is also set to introduce a highly-technical ´smart patrolling´ in 11 buffer zones through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and other equipment and to form a Professional Jungle Formation (PJF) force within three months.
As per the proposal incorporated in the reviewed SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) to be endorsed by the cabinet soon, the NA would be allowed to patrol inside the buffer zone areas where poaching is highest. Through "small team operations," the NA intends to intensify the intelligence and lead operations in the most dangerous poaching sites.
"Since GPS is a database system, we will no longer have to rely on traditional verbal method to detect poaching sites," an NA officer told Republica. "Since our presence will have a good psychological impact on the entire network of illegal traders, we believe that with the local support poaching will be controlled at least by 50 percent to begin with," the source added.
GPS is a radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning, navigation and timing services to the users. It provides accurate location and time information for an unlimited number of people round the clock.
The PJF, on the other hand, would be a professional force trained exclusively for jungle duties. "The PJF will assume protection duties rather than being a multi-role infantry like in the past. This is in our priority and is currently under consideration," the source added. The PJF will have 10-12 personnel and will function in coordination with the warden office of the parks.
For this, the NA is also looking at making the commanders more accountable. "To bring positive change, the NA will put in place a mechanism to replace the unit itself if found to be either weak in operation or taking part in any other malpractices," the NA source said.
The proposed bureau, on the other hand, is planned to have a monitoring role, which is perceived to be crucial for curbing regional network of this crime.
"Since Nepal is a member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), it has to ensure implementation of relevant laws against the crime," Dr Ravi Aryal, a CITES expert, said. He added that since CITES in itself has jurisdiction only on trans-national trading, it will be appropriate to have such a bureau in the country in line with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau of India. He added that a "regional agreement" like the Lusaka Agreement of the African nations is also "a must" in South Asia now. Although Nepal is considered not among the top countries involved in the wildlife trade racket, Nepal is a route for storing, transportation and transfer of illegal animal parts.
"Both the setting up of a high-level mechanism and passing of the CITIES draft is now crucial," Shiva Raj Bhatta, the spokesperson for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, said pointing at the delay in passing the CITES draft since it was drafted in 2000.
There are five battalions and seven independent companies (a total of 5,900 army personnel) currently deployed at 93 army posts in various parks.
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