Pune, 27th July 2021: The Forest Department will appoint a Primary Response Team (PRT) to provide quick help to rescue the wild animals which enter into residential areas or for animals that have fallen into wells. The department will also provide special training to the team to handle emergencies.
In Pune, a conflict between leopard and humans is rising constantly. The leopard has been seen many times in residential areas especially in suburban areas as well as in talukas like Daund, Shirur, Junnar, Indapur, Baramati, etc. In some places, the leopard fell into the well or was injured in a road accident, so safely rescue and release them is a big challenge before the forest department. In addition, other wildlife incidents have also occurred in urban areas in the last few years. In such a critical situation the primary response becomes important. Considering the situation, PRT will be appointed by the forest department in collaboration with the citizens.
Citizens who want to work for wildlife will have the opportunity to be included in the team and will be given proper training. The team will be primarily responsible for creating awareness among the villagers also providing crowd control and first aid during an emergency.
Rahul Patil, Deputy Forest Conservator, Pune Forest department said,” The ‘Golden Hour’ is a crucial period in wildlife rescue and relief work. Therefore, the earliest initial response is important. We are trying to appoint a PRT with the help of citizens. All forest guards have been ordered to prepare a list of volunteers willing to join the team.”
Features of PRT :
– The team will be led by 95 forest rangers from all ranges of the forest department.
– A total of 2000 members, including 20 under each forest ranger, are included in the team.
– Participants can be citizens in the age group of 18 to 45.
– Special training will be given for wildlife protection and relief work.
– Each member will be provided with uniforms, sticks, and other safety equipment
– A letter will be issued to be an official volunteer of the forest department.
