Assam Governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya today praised the state government for its efforts in preventing poaching but later expressed concern for the situation, terming it "a serious issue".
"Firm steps to protect wildlife have been taken by the government. Modern arms and equipments have been provided to counter the poachers. Anti-poaching task force has been set up and measures to protect wildlife are continuing," Acharya said in his written speech on the first day of Budget Session of the Assembly today.
However, after coming out of the House, he expressed concern over rhino poaching and said strict action will be taken to protect the animals.
"It is noteworthy that the overall population of rhinoceros has increased to 2,544 in the year 2013 from 2,201 in the year 2009," Acharya said in the speech traditionally prepared by the government.
The speech was considered read and accepted in the House as he could not complete it following disruption by the united opposition over the economic health of the state.
He also mentioned that the tiger population has increased from 143 in 2010 to 167 in 2014.
"Under Indian Rhino Vision 2020, recently government has planned to translocate rhinos to Burhachapori and Laokhowa sanctuaries. The arrangement for better protection of forest and wildlife shall be augmented. For this purpose, the 4th Assam Forest Protection Force battalion shall be raised and existing vacancies at various levels filled up," he added.
But later, while talking to media persons outside the House, Acharya said, "The situation is very serious and I am very much concerned about it. All the people of Assam are very much concerned. I just had a talk with the Chief Minister."
"A small criminal group is challenging the government. We will take strict action and I have told the CM to take all steps to nip it in the bud," Acharya added.
Forest Department officials had been called at Raj Bhavan yesterday to brief the Governor about the shortcomings in protection of the rhinos.
On being asked about his remarks that appeared to have contradicted the state government's version, the Governor said, "We are on the same wave length. We are all together in this. Since I have taken over, this is the fourth statement I am making on the issue calling for a favorable solution."
On the other hand, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, "Poachers are from outside Assam. After poaching, the horns are smuggled outside Assam. So we need cooperation of the Government of India. It is not true that we are not serious about the problem.
