Nilpara (Alipurduar), Feb. 9: The forest department has decided to organise camps in the fringe villages to educate residents about how to prevent illegal forest activities.

The move follows the February 1 incident in which an adult bull elephant was killed and its tusks removed in the BD VII compartment of Kodalbasti beat. Ujjwal Bhattacharjee, the chief conservator of forest (wildlife), who visited the spot today, said: ?The recovery of both the tusks within such a short period is remarkable. This would have been impossible without the cooperation of police and local people.?

?Under the Indian Eco-Development Project, forest protection committees and eco-development committees have been formed. To a large extent, members of these organisations know what they have to do to prevent unlawful activities in forests. But till a considerable number of villagers become aware of their responsibilities, protection work cannot be undertaken on a large a scale,? he added.

The forest department will take the help of NGOs to organise the camps. Slide shows, exhibitions of photographs and interaction in the local language will be the priority of the awareness drive.

Bhattacharjee said villagers often enter forests to collect firewood. ?Poachers enter with them. If the villagers are aware then they will be able to identify poachers.?

The chief conservator also said banasramiks and forest guards would from now on have power to arrest anyone involved in illegal activities in the forests. So long the power was restricted to beat officers.

Bhattacharjee said his department was also keen about reviving the elephant corridor in the Dooars. ?The Eastern Dooars Elephant Reserve includes Manas, Jaldapara and Buxa Tiger Reserve.?