Assam moves to raise force to protect Rhinoceros

Guwahati, Jan 30 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Friday announced that an 1,200 strong Rhino Protection Force will be raised "very soon" to protect the state's world famous one-horned rhinoceros.

"The state government has already sent a proposal to the union minister of environment, forests and climate change in this regard and the force will take the shape very soon," Gogoi said.

"The force will be raised with over 1,200-strong personnel," Gogoi said a day after reviewing anti-poaching measures and other related issues at Kohora Range of the Kaziranga National Park, famous for its one-horned rhinos.

The chief minister said modern technology such as night vision devices, thermal scanners and surveillance cameras will be vigorously used to curb the menace of poaching.

Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site, has the largest number of one-horned rhinos and has always taken the brunt of poaching.

Gogoi also announced that Chief Minister's Gallantry Award would be instituted for the security guards for showing exemplary services on anti-poaching.

He instructed the park authorities to take the help of National Investigation Agency to deal with the rhino poachers and bust their trade routes across inter-state and international borders.