Northeast India: A Crucial Battleground in the War Against Wildlife Crimes

Northeast India, a biodiversity hotspot, has become a significant conduit for wildlife trafficking. Arvind Kumar Chaurasia of the Wildlife Crime Control Board highlights the region’s role in illicit trades linked to broader criminal activities. He calls for coordinated efforts and advanced technologies to combat these crimes amid low conviction rates.

Northeast India, renowned for its rich biodiversity, stands as a significant transit point for illegal wildlife trafficking, according to Wildlife Crime Control Board deputy director Arvind Kumar Chaurasia. Speaking at the 35th Foundation Day of Aaranyak, a biodiversity group, Chaurasia explained that wildlife crimes in the region are closely linked with other illicit activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering.

With its porous borders, the Northeast facilitates both the outward and inward smuggling of wildlife and their parts. The illegal trade, often routed through countries like China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, sees a substantial increase in value at various stages, sometimes up to 600% higher than at the poaching level.

Chaurasia emphasized the urgent need for collaboration among law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and local communities to tackle these crimes, highlighting the low conviction rates that currently plague India's efforts. He also called for the use of scientific tools and artificial intelligence to improve investigation outcomes. Complementing these efforts, ASSAC's director, P L N Raju, noted the potential of space and drone technologies in wildlife conservation. The event concluded with Aaranyak outlining a roadmap to celebrate its conservation milestones and awarding Anwaruddin Choudhury, the 'Birdman of Assam,' with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

(With inputs from agencies.)