> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsanek.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Forest teams step up patrols to stop owl smuggling ahead of Diwali in Uttarakhand
- URL: https://newsanek.com/diwali-owl-smuggling-rajaji-tiger-reserve/
- Published: 2026-11-09T03:31:59.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-09T04:20:18.000Z
- Description: Forest teams at Rajaji Tiger Reserve are running two special night patrols in the Rishikesh area. The goal is to stop people who trade owls for black magic and money rituals. Owls are a protected bird, and buying or selling them is illegal.
- Author: Kumar Ujjwal
- Tags: India, Uttarakhand, #state-uttarakhand, #trending, #trending-in, #sm-42, #smemo-useful

Forest teams in Uttarakhand have increased patrols to stop owl smuggling during Diwali.

The work is happening at Rajaji Tiger Reserve and nearby forest areas in Rishikesh.

Around Diwali, some people link owls with black magic and money rituals.

Because of this belief, demand for owls rises every year. Smugglers try to catch owls from the forests.

### Key points

- The forest department has increased patrols at Rajaji Tiger Reserve and nearby forest areas in Rishikesh.
- Owls are a protected bird under the Wildlife Protection Act.
- Catching, killing, selling or buying an owl is completely illegal.
- Anyone who sees suspicious activity can inform the forest department or the nearest police.

## So what are forest teams doing on the ground?

Two special teams have been formed to watch the forest area. They patrol at night, in different places.

Officers say the teams cover sensitive spots, forest roads and villages near the park boundary.

Rajesh Chandra Joshi, range officer of Gauhari range, shared this information.

Gambhir Singh Dhamanda, range officer of Rishikesh range, said patrols continue during the day and at night.

Teams are also watching riverbanks and lonely areas.

Suspicious persons and vehicles are being checked. The department says regular patrols are needed to stop these gangs.

## Why do owls become a target around Diwali?

Some people believe owls bring money and luck. This belief is the main reason demand goes up around Diwali every year.

Smugglers then try to catch owls from the forests.

The forest department says this belief has no scientific basis. Owls also help farmers.

They eat rats and insects, which protects crops and keeps nature balanced.

## What should you do if you see something suspicious?

Owls are a protected bird under the Wildlife Protection Act. Anyone who breaks this law can face strict legal action.

If you see owl trafficking, hunting or any suspicious activity, inform the forest department or the nearest police quickly.

The identity of the person giving information will be kept confidential.

How to report owl smuggling

1. *1*

**Spot suspicious activity**Watch for owl trafficking, hunting or any suspicious activity.
2. *2*

**Inform the forest department or police**Report quickly to the forest department or the nearest police.
3. *3*

**Refuse owls offered for rituals**If someone offers you an owl for a ritual, say no.

Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report

If someone offers you an owl for a ritual, please say no. Officials also say patrols alone cannot stop trafficking.

Public awareness is needed too.

---

### Sources

- [Dainik Bhaskar: दीपावली-BTR में शिकारियों से वन्यजीवों की सुरक्षा के पुख्ता इंतजाम: एक हजार कर्मचारी गश्त कर रहे, एफडी-डीडी...](https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/umaria/news/bandhavgarh-tiger-reserve-diwali-wildlife-security-patrolling-news-139628287.html?ref=newsanek.com)
- [दैनिक जागरण: दीपावली पर उल्लू तस्करी रोकने को वन विभाग ने बढ़ाई गश्त, जादू टोना ...](https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-diwali-owl-poaching-uttarakhand-forest-dept-boosts-vigilance-40430874.html?ref=newsanek.com)
- [पत्रिका: Diwali News : लक्ष्मीजी के साथ उल्लू और छिपकली का क्या है कनेक्शन? जानिए खास ...](https://www.patrika.com/religion-news/what-is-the-connection-between-goddess-lakshmi-and-lizard-21036981?ref=newsanek.com)