Patna: Bihar will step up its crackdown on wildlife crime by mapping sensitive trafficking routes and locations using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and strengthening surveillance across railway, road and air networks. The state is also exploring the use of CCTV cameras at toll plazas to monitor vulnerable routes and suspicious vehicles. Investigations into wildlife trafficking cases will go beyond the recovery of animals or their remains, with enforcement agencies directed to probe the entire trafficking network and associated financial transactions.The strategy was discussed at an inter-agency coordination meeting on “Strengthening Wildlife Law Enforcement in Bihar” held at Aranya Bhawan in Patna on Thursday. Officials from the environment, forest and climate change department, police, enforcement, transport, border, forensic and other concerned agencies attended the meeting.Principal chief conservator of forests Arvinder Singh stressed the need for an effective coordination mechanism among enforcement agencies, keeping in view Bihar’s strategic geographical location. He called for enhanced surveillance at major transit points to prevent wildlife trafficking.Chief wildlife warden Abhay Kumar emphasised intelligence sharing and swift coordination among agencies to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade.Ruchika Rishi, inspector general of police-cum-additional director at the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) headquarters, highlighted the growing need to tackle wildlife offences committed through social media and other digital platforms. She stressed the importance of preserving digital evidence and ensuring action against offenders was legally sustainable.WCCB eastern region deputy director Suyog Subhashrao Patil presented an analysis of wildlife crime trends, sensitive locations and trafficking routes in Bihar between 2021 and August 2026. Valmiki Tiger Reserve field director Gaurav Ojha highlighted vulnerable routes and enforcement challenges faced by the state.The meeting also called for appointing nodal officers in all concerned agencies and establishing regular coordination mechanisms. Participants stressed the need for secure and timely exchange of information on seizures and joint operations along sensitive routes.Updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for airports and the aviation sector, along with training personnel, was also discussed.Officials further emphasised lawful monitoring of online platforms, public awareness about wildlife conservation and standardisation of wildlife crime reports. Regular reviews of emerging trafficking methods and new routes will help enforcement agencies update their strategies and respond more effectively to changing patterns of wildlife crime.The coordinated approach is expected to strengthen enforcement and improve the sharing of intelligence among agencies dealing with wildlife offences across the state.
