Strengthening Rapid Response teams and Equipment Handover at Kodagu Forest Circle, Karnataka

22 Dec, 2020

In Karnataka, the Indo-German project on Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC) project is working in Kodagu Forest Circle as the project pilot site, with two divisions, viz. Madikeri and Virajpet. Key HWC mitigation measures include capacity development support to the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and support in establishing an Early-Warning-and-Rapid Response system. Capacity Development of the RRTs includes not only training but also provide equipment support including drones (UAV). As part of the Early Warning and Rapid Response system, it is essential for the RRTs to have the necessary equipment in readiness immediately when they receive an early warning of an animal rescue or animal injury near human habitation/agriculture field/plantation. For early response, the RRTs require equipment for the field operation.

In the three project partner states, one of the key project measures that the project is focusing on, is to provide equipment support to the Rapid Response Teams for Early-Warning-and-Rapid Response system. Different types of equipment are being procured for the RRTs (Division level and Range level) under the project including drones. This equipment will be used in the field operation and these will be more efficient for the RRTs while mitigating HWC. In Karnataka, different category of kits has been procured for this purpose.

Handing over equipment details

Three kits for the division level RRTs (consisting of 65 different equipment), seven kits for the Range level RRTs (consisting of 25 different equipment), two DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus (Micro Drone), two DJI Mavic Mini (Nano Drone) and ten AWT IR Satellite Collars for elephants, were handed over by the MoEFCC-GIZ to Karnataka Forest Department. The handing over was done by Mr Soumitra Dasgupta, Additional Director General of Forest (WL), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Dr Neeraj Khera, Team Leader, Indo-German Project on HWC Mitigation, GIZ to Mr Ajai Misra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (WL) & CWW, Karnataka in the presence of Mr Subhash K Malkhede, Additional PCCF, Mr S Prabhakaran, DCF, Virajpet, Mr Shivram Babu, DCF, Hassan, Dr B. Navaneethan, Technical expert HWC Project, and Mr M.M. Jaya, Consultant, GIZ.

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About the project

The Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation (HWC) project implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and State Forest Departments of Karnataka, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, aims at providing technical support at the national level, and effective implementation of HWC mitigation measures in selected states of India. The project pilot sites are: Haridwar Forest Division and adjoining landscape including Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, Gorumara Wildlife Division in West Bengal, and Kodagu Forest Circle in Karnataka.

The main objective of the project is that the rural population in project areas, where agreed guidelines and tools are applied to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, is better protected against it. The project takes the approach of harmonious coexistence, by ensuring that both—human and wildlife—are protected from conflict. Read more

For more information contact: biodiv.india@giz.de