Garudakshi:
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.
- Garudakshi is software modelled on the online FIR system to curb wildlife and forest crimes.
- It will be implemented on a pilot basis in the Bengaluru Urban, Bhadravathi, Sirsi and Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary divisions of Karnataka.
- Once the software is implemented, registering FIRs using the Garudakshi portal will be made compulsory.
- It will enable the online handling of forest crime cases under the Forest and Wildlife Protection Acts.
- The portal will auto-generate formats for various reports and complaints.
- The software consists of a Legacy Case Registration Module, Online Forest Offence Registration, Investigation Module and Reporting and Analytics Module.
- The portal will also allow the public to register complaints on forest offences using mobile phones or email addresses.
- It is developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
