📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Crime
Odisha Forest Minister Promises Tough Crackdown on Orangutan Trafficking
✍️ Pragativadi
🗓 11 Sep 2026, 02:18 AM
👁 7
The Odisha forest minister announced a zero‑tolerance policy against anyone involved in the illegal trade of orangutans, signalling stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – The state’s forest minister publicly pledged to intensify actions against individuals and networks suspected of trafficking orangutans. In a press briefing, the minister underscored that the illegal wildlife trade undermines biodiversity and violates both national statutes such as the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and India’s commitments under the CITES treaty.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns that exotic species, including orangutans, are being smuggled into the country for illegal pet markets and private collections. Officials said surveillance teams will be deployed at key entry points and forest reserves, and that any arrest will attract the maximum penalty permissible under existing law.
While orangutans are not native to India, the minister emphasized that the state will cooperate with central agencies and neighboring countries to dismantle trafficking routes. The statement signals a shift toward more proactive enforcement, aiming to deter future attempts at wildlife smuggling.
No specific arrests have been reported yet, but the ministry indicated that investigations are already underway and that further updates will be provided as the crackdown progresses.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns that exotic species, including orangutans, are being smuggled into the country for illegal pet markets and private collections. Officials said surveillance teams will be deployed at key entry points and forest reserves, and that any arrest will attract the maximum penalty permissible under existing law.
While orangutans are not native to India, the minister emphasized that the state will cooperate with central agencies and neighboring countries to dismantle trafficking routes. The statement signals a shift toward more proactive enforcement, aiming to deter future attempts at wildlife smuggling.
No specific arrests have been reported yet, but the ministry indicated that investigations are already underway and that further updates will be provided as the crackdown progresses.