Forest Department launches ‘Garudakshi’ online FIR system to curb wildlife crimes

Karnataka Forest Department launches 'Garudakshi' online FIR system to combat forest crimes and protect wildlife resources effectively.

The Karnataka Forest Department has launched the ‘Garudakshi’ online FIR system to curb forest encroachments, illegal tree-felling, poaching, and unauthorised entry into forest areas.

Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre, who on Tuesday launched the system developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India, said the new system was introduced to curb the increasing number of forest crimes, ensure that offenders are punished, and protect wildlife and forest resources.

Mr. Khandre said that on September 22, 2023, he directed officials to develop software to enable an online FIR system similar to that of the Police Department.

Initially, Garudakshi would be launched on a pilot basis in the Bengaluru Urban Division, Bengaluru Forest Mobile Squad Division, Bhadravati Division, Sirsi Division, and Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Division.

Based on feedback from the department staff, the software will be further enhanced and extended to all divisions across the State in a phased manner, he said.

He added that registering FIRs through the Garudakshi software would be made mandatory in the days to come.

“Previously, FIRs were manually recorded on paper using carbon copies, making case monitoring and chargesheet filing challenging. The online system will now enable authorities to track the number of chargesheets filed and pending cases from anywhere. Senior officials can keep track of all cases across divisions,” he added.