Probe report on tiger deaths gathering dust at WCCB

NEW DELHI: The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is yet to forward a probe report on reasons behind the spate of tiger deaths in barely three months since November in Kaziranga sanctuary in Assam, which is holding up further action on the matter.
"We are waiting for the report from the WCCB. Further action in the matter will be based on the findings of the report," a senior official in environment ministry said.

Concerned over the deaths, the ministry had constituted a three-member team comprising wildlife expert R K Samal and two WCCB officials in March to probe possible involvement of organized gangs in the killings.

This was for the first time that the WCCB since its inception last year had been entrusted with such a sensitive task.

However, sources said the file containing the probe report is gathering dust with the Bureau even as the team returned by the end of March after gathering all details about deaths.

Reacting strongly to the delay in submitting the report, Rajesh Gopal, member secretary of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) said it only indicates the "apathy" of the officials regarding wildlife conservation.

"Delay is uncalled for. The report needs to be submitted at the earliest to take corrective steps to prevent further deaths in the national park," Gopal added.