Jamshedpur, May 24: Amidst ongoing lockdown and spread of coronavirus, tribals observed Bishu Shikar as a symbolic affair. The state forest department had beefed up security to protect innocent animals inside Dalma wildlife sanctuary.
The forest department maintained a strict vigil across the 192 sq km sanctuary, 30 km from Jamshedpur, from Sunday till Monday evening. Most of the tribals performed rituals in their respective houses and avoided going to forest areas.
Foresters from forest divisions of Jamshedpur, Chaibasa, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Porahat, Kolhan and Saranda were on duty at the sprawling sanctuary on the earmarked dates.
It may be mentioned that every year, the forest department tries to educate villagers about the importance of wildlife and animals but still dozens of animals including deer, boar and wild buffaloes are killed during. Clad with hunting weapons like bows and arrows, they go into the jungle in search of animals by beating drums and chanting holy hymns.
A total of 13 checkpoints had been set up to prevent tribals from entering the elephant abode with traps and firearms.. Pardih (near Kali temple), Fadlugora, Chandil, Bhilaipahari, Chakulia, Makulakocha and Patamda are among the check points that had been set up. More than 200 volunteers and 40 forest department officials monitored the festival.
