Orissa seeks central forces to guard national parks

Orissa on Tuesday demanded deployment of central paramilitary forces in the national sanctuaries and parks in the state, in view of the growing Maoist menace.

Orissa on Tuesday demanded deployment of central paramilitary forces in the national sanctuaries and parks in the state, in view of the growing Maoist menace.

HT Image

"The red extremism is growing in national parks and Sanctuaries in the state. Extensive damage has been reported from Similipal Tiger Reserve," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said at the day-long conference of all the state forest and environment ministers in New Delhi.

He demanded deployment of central paramilitary forces in Badrama, Khalasuni, Lakhary Valley sanctuary, Sunabeda and Kotgarh.

Patnaik also demanded additional funds for the state to strengthen the infrastructure in Maoist-infested areas where extensive damage has been reported.

"Extensive damage has been reported in naxalite infested Similipal Tiger Reserve. The state needs additional funds under Intensification of Forest Management and related schemes for reconstruction and strengthening of infrastructure in naxalite infested national parks and sanctuaries," he said.