Villager Surrenders Firearm in Similipal Conservation Drive

Baripada: In a move reinforcing community participation in wildlife conservation, a resident of Besarpani village under Saratchandrapur panchayat in Baripada Sadar police limits voluntarily surrendered a handmade firearm during a gun surrender drive organised by the Similipal South Wildlife Division on Sunday.

The firearm was handed over to the Range Officer of Pithabata South Wildlife Range during a village-level awareness and surrender programme held in the presence of local ward member Daitari Bhakta.

Forest officials said the individual pledged to completely give up hunting and expressed willingness to support wildlife conservation initiatives while reintegrating into the social mainstream. The drive was aimed at discouraging illegal hunting and fostering peaceful coexistence between forest-dependent communities and wildlife.

Around 55 villagers took part in the programme, along with staff of the Pithabata South Wildlife Range. During the interaction, forest officials sensitised residents about the importance of wildlife protection, the legal consequences of hunting, and the crucial role local communities play in conserving the Similipal ecosystem.

Officials added that such community-based initiatives form part of sustained efforts to curb poaching and strengthen conservation measures in and around the Similipal South Wildlife Division.