Totladod Reservoir which is shared between the Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh regularly witnesses illegal fishing. In the month of December, a successful operation was carried out by the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) and wildlife staff of Pench, Maharashtra after receiving a secret tip.
The operation led to the seizure of the 8 boats and 120 kg nets total worth approx 4 lakh. The operation was led by a team under ACF Mahesh Parab, RFO Magesh Tate, and RFO Additional charge Sanjay Parikar. The search for the boatmen is on as they fled taking advantage of the darkness.
To further augment the protection of the reservoir, all boats have been repaired. Drones are being used for monitoring the boats and regular ambush operations are being taken up. In the recently concluded interstate meeting with Pench MP, a modality of joint interstate operations has also been planned. Most importantly, the secret fund is effectively utilized for creating an intelligence network.