A poacher reformed

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This programme - and its success - only underscores what environmentalists have been saying for so long. Allow locals to feel they have a stake in the conservation of their forest and involve them in the management of the protected area, and it will work. In fact, a local NGO has awarded the programme an award in recognition of anti-poaching activities, the Green-Guard award 2001/2002.

Periyar's story of social change began in 1998 when an effort was made to put to tangible use the skills and manpower of these habitual offenders in the protection of the forest. This effort was begun because, as Mallick says, these poachers and smugglers, for all their misplaced valour, were poor and leading a miserable and unhappy life of being social outcasts. 'Yet, we knew that their excellent knowledge and understanding of the forest and its flora and fauna would be an asset for the adventurous trekking and camping project of the Tiger Reserve. 'We also felt that this kind of active participation will not only provide regular income but will also help in bringing them back to mainstream,' he adds.