Bhopal:Tuesday, April 22:The state government has issued instructions for providing special protection to wild animals near sources of water. In this connection, all the Territorial Conservators of Forests (Wildlife) have been directed to identify the water sources where wild animals come to quench their thirst and make special arrangements for wild animals’ protection there. It may be mentioned that the number of water sources has become limited in the wake of scanty rainfall and present hot spell. As a result, wild animals from near and afar turn up at the remaining water sources in large numbers for drinking water. This has increased the apprehension that poachers might kill these animals. The Forest Department received information that some rural criminals and stray dogs are killing the wild animals that approach a drinking water source near a habitat. In the light of this information, instructions have been issued in the state to ensure special protection for wildlife. The instructions stipulate that possibilities of developing new sources of water should be explored through special efforts and proposal thereof be sent for approval. Such sources of water should be developed with a rapid pace for immediate use. Instructions have also been issued to seek cooperation of local Van Samitis for providing protection to wild animals at the water sources and also convene a meeting of the committee to apprise villagers of the danger looming large over the wildlife. Special arrangements for Fire Watchers have also been made in all the forest ranges in view of increased chances of fire incidents during summer. The Fire Watchers have been equipped with telecommunication gadgets, binoculars and patrol kits etc. They have been instructed to give special attention to water sources and incorporate them in their patrolling schedule. Instructions have also been issued to post forest employees, watchmen and members of Van Samitis for protection of existing as well as newly-developed sources of water. These personnel would remain present specially when the wild animals approach the water sources for quenching their thirst. Instructions have been issued to meet the expenses on honorarium and awards to rural contributors in the protection of wildlife from the budget of the year 2008-09. Madhya Pradesh Van Suraksha Sahayak Ko Dey Vittiya Sahayata Niyam-2006 (Madhya Pradesh Rules regarding financial assistance to forest protection assistants-2006) have been framed by the state government for extending financial and other assistance to labourers working for the Forest Department, members of Van Samitis and informers etc. Villagers must be apprised of the provisions of these rules so that they always remain eager to contribute their mite in the protection of forests and wildlife. Territorial Conservators of Forests have been instructed to apprise Forest Rangers, Deputy Forest Rangers and all other officers of the range of these directives. They must also be instructed to ensure cooperation of local villages in wildlife protection by convening meetings of various Van Samitis.