- Operation Wild Trap: 429 Accused Arrested in Forest Crimes Crackdown
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh, a land rich in forests and wildlife, has long been a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. With 11 national parks, 8 tiger reserves, 63 general forest divisions, and 11 project divisions, the state’s forest department has built a distinct reputation for conservation, scientific management, and wildlife protection.
However, the growing pressure on wildlife habitats has led to an alarming rise in poaching, illegal transport of forest produce, and organized wildlife crime—extending beyond state borders to international trafficking networks. To counter this, the Forest Department launched a statewide crackdown, “Operation Wild Trap,” from December 2024 to January 2025. The result? A sweeping success—429 accused poachers and traffickers arrested.
A Tactical Winter Patrol to Protect Wildlife
During the operation, forest teams conducted extensive patrols across sensitive forest zones, tiger reserves, and national parks to secure both wildlife and forest resources. Traps, electric snares, and other illegal hunting tools were seized and destroyed. Authorities kept a close watch on habitual offenders, intensifying surveillance across key regions.
Under the leadership of nodal officers, teams across tiger reserves, general forest divisions, and project areas executed high-impact anti-poaching drives, resulting in major arrests.
Unparalleled Dedication & Advanced Technology
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Shubhranjan Sen, praised the dedication of the 22,610 officers and staff who participated in the operation. Over 931 cases of forest crimes were registered, with 3,160 suspects under surveillance and 328 vehicles seized. The patrolling effort was staggering—8.28 lakh km on foot and 17.83 lakh km by vehicle.
Adopting cutting-edge technology for wildlife crime investigation and control, the operation reinforced Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to protecting its invaluable biodiversity.
Recognizing the relentless dedication and exceptional performance of its personnel, the Forest Department will honor outstanding officers and staff at a special ceremony.
This landmark operation underscores Madhya Pradesh’s resolve to combat wildlife crime and safeguard its rich natural heritage for generations to come.
