Protected Area Network in Orissa - Vasundhara

esiding inside the sanctuary. But after protest they abolished the system oftaking entry fee from the local people. During discussion following problemswere identified:• The wildlife division is harassing the local people especially while theyare carrying out any forest produce like sal leaf, sal leaf plate, siali leaf,siali leaf plate and mushroom for selling in the market. Some time theytake bribe to allow the things. (See box)• Brinjal business is a lawful business as it doesn't take away the restricteditems like NTFP, Timber, wild animal products etc . Even the WLP Actallows for lawful business inside the sanctuary, still the staffs those whoare in charge of gate, they are demanding bribe. If anybody denies givingthe bribe then they asks for the permission letter. “Show your permissionletter, otherwise we will not allow you.” One businessman, who is brinjaltrader in Angul, he quotated this sentence while he was describing hisbitter experience before us. Mr. Janadarn Sahu, the assistant secretary andresident of Jaganathpur village he also described same experience beforeus.• He also cited another example how the department staff took bribe from atribal who carried dead body of his elder brother with him. When theperson denied giving bribe they detained him 4 hours (from 1 am to 5 am)at the gate. Finally he gave 50 rupees and came to the village.91