Whistleblower drive to curb poaching
Punjab Wildlife officials present confiscated equipment seized during raids against illegal hunting. Photo: Express
The Punjab Wildlife Department has launched a whistleblower campaign aimed at curbing illegal hunting, poaching and wildlife trapping. The initiative offers cash reward to citizen who provide accurate and verifiable information.
According to wildlife officials, citizens who report any instance of illegal hunting or netting along with evidence will enable teams to take immediate action. If the information leads to a successful operation, the whistleblower will receive the designated reward.
A tip-off regarding the Great Indian bustard carries a reward worth Rs100,000, while information on illegal hunting of Urial or deer will earn Rs50,000. The reward for violations involving the houbara bustard is Rs25,000, whereas reports of net-setting, night-time hunting of partridges, and unlawful hunting of peacocks, quails and waterfowl carry rewards of Rs10,000. Additionally, tips on the illegal hunting of partridges or wild rabbits will be rewarded with Rs5,000.