By IANS
Jaipur : Retired soldiers will now guard wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Rajasthan. The step has been taken to boost security for protected animals and birds.
The government has recruited 415 ex-servicemen. About 125 of them will be deployed at the Ranthambore national park and 100 at the Sariska tiger reserve. The rest will be placed in other wildlife areas.
“Our aim is to have at least 1,000 ex-soldiers to guard our wildlife,” Rajasthan Forest Minister L.N. Dave told IANS.
The move follows the killing of tigers in the state by poachers.
A tiger cell consisting of forest and police officials is also being planned by the government to protect the tigers. The cell would check activities that threaten the survival of the big cats.