Idukki: The forest department is taking steps to dismiss temporary watchers despite the persistent occurrence of severe wild animal attacks. The service of existing watchers will only be available until March 31. The orders issued to dismiss all temporary watchers except the Rapid Response Team (RRT). The Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) has issued an official directive to this effect.
This decision comes at a time when there is already a shortage in the number of watchers tasked with preventing wildlife attacks. Watchers from Adimali, Neriamangalam, Devikulam, and Munnar divisions will be affected by the dismissal order.
Meanwhile, in response to a recent wild elephant attack in Wayanad, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has convened a high-level meeting. The meeting, which will be attended by the Minister for Forest and Wildlife, MLAs, and senior officials, was called amid mounting criticism against the government for its handling of wildlife attacks.
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