Animal census at potential risk of inaccurate responses

The committee members tasked with analyzing data from the recently conducted animal census are in dilemma over receiving distorted data.

 

According to sources, this situation has delayed the announcement of the final results.

 

The committee was supposed to hand over a draft report to the Agriculture Ministry on March 28; however, the report could not be submitted as adequate data had not been received.

 

Speaking a senior official said the committee members are receiving data across districts.

 

Accordingly, the committee has so far received data from eight districts.

 

Nevertheless, some of the data received by the respective officers appear to be distorted and may need to be validated again for better accuracy.

 

Further, the official stated that a final announcement can be made within next two weeks.

 

The census which went ahead despite significant criticism from numerous stakeholders including environmentalists, covered animals such as giant squirrels, peacocks, macaques and monkeys, who are responsible for crop-damaging.

 

It took place on March 15 within a five-minute timeframe from 8.00 to 8.05 am.