Kaziranga Park: India’s first National Park to give Satellite Phones to Forest Guards

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Kaziranga National Park of Assam has become the first national park in India to be equipped with satellite phones.

About:

• About 10 satellites phones were handed over to forest personnel of Kaziranga National Park by Assam Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua.
• This decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on May 27, 2021.

Significance of the move

According to an official of Kaziranga National Park, this move will boost anti-poaching measures in the park. These satellite phones will be used in the six ranges of parks having no wireless or poor mobile connectivity. Thus, it will help in taking timely measures.

Who is the service provider?

Satellite Phones were procured for the park by Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) at an estimated cost of Rs 16 lakh. Service will be provided by BSNL while monthly expenses will be fulfilled by park authorities. BSNL also trained the forest personnel to operate satellite phones in areas where satellite phones do not work like in shadow areas and grooves.

Kaziranga National Park

This national park of India is spread to the district of Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon in the state of Assam. It hosts two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses. Park has also been listed as a World Heritage Site. According to the census of 2018, there are 2413 rhino populations in Kaziranga National Park. It includes 1,641 adult rhinos, 387 sub-adults and 385 calves. Kaziranga was known for the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006. Presently, the highest tiger density is in Orang National Park of Assam. Birdlife International for conservation of avifaunal species also recognises Kaziranga park as an Important Bird Area