On Tuesday, Karnataka’s Forest Department introduced a new online system for registering FIRs related to wildlife and forest crimes. Named Garudakshi, the system aims to streamline the process and enhance the tracking of such cases. Initially, the system will be implemented on a pilot basis in the Bengaluru Urban, Bhadravathi, Sirsi, and Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary divisions.
Phased Implementation Across the State
The Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister, Eshwar Khandre, stated that depending on the response from the pilot divisions, the Garudakshi system will be expanded to other divisions across Karnataka in phases.
Modeled on Police Online FIR System
The Garudakshi system is modeled after the online FIR system already in place for police cases. Once fully implemented, the registration of FIRs through this portal will become compulsory for all wildlife and forest-related offenses.
Collaboration for Development
The software behind Garudakshi was developed in collaboration between the Forest Department and the Wildlife Trust of India. The system aims to address the growing number of wildlife and forest-related cases and ensure accountability in the enforcement of laws.
Previous Challenges and Benefits of the New System
Previously, FIRs in the forest department were handwritten, making it difficult for the government to track the number of cases, chargesheets, and progress. The Garudakshi portal will solve this problem by digitizing cases, generating automatic reports, and providing analytics. The system will also allow the public to register complaints about forest offenses via mobile phones or email.
Features of Garudakshi System
- Legacy Case Registration Module: Digitizes old complaints.
- Online Forest Offense Registration: Facilitates online FIR filing.
- Investigation Module: Assists in tracking investigations.
- Reporting and Analytics Module: Provides automated reports and data analysis.
The portal will significantly improve the department’s ability to manage cases and enforce the law effectively.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the name of the new system launched by Karnataka’s Forest Department for registering FIRs related to wildlife and forest crimes?
a) ForestGuard
b) Garudakshi
c) Wildlife Tracker
d) EcoFIR
Answer: b) Garudakshi
2. In which divisions will the Garudakshi system be implemented on a pilot basis initially?
a) Bengaluru Urban, Bhadravathi, Sirsi, Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
b) Mysuru, Hubli, Chikmagalur, Gokarna
c) Bengaluru Rural, Tumkur, Mangalore, Udupi
d) Hassan, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Raichur
Answer: a) Bengaluru Urban, Bhadravathi, Sirsi, Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
3. What was the previous method of registering FIRs in the forest department before the introduction of Garudakshi?
a) Online registration
b) Handwritten FIRs
c) Phone-based registration
d) Direct submission to court
Answer: b) Handwritten FIRs
4. Which organizations collaborated to develop the Garudakshi system?
a) Karnataka State Government and Police Department
b) Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of India
c) Wildlife Conservation Society and Karnataka Forest Department
d) Indian Forest Service and National Park Authority
Answer: b) Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of India
5. What feature of the Garudakshi system will allow the public to register complaints about forest offenses?
a) Complaint hotline
b) Online portal via mobile or email
c) Direct submission at forest offices
d) Social media platforms
Answer: b) Online portal via mobile or email