LAKHIMPUR KHERI, Nov. 1 -- Amid preparations for opening Dudhwa for tourists on Sunday, Dudhwa forest authorities are on a high alert across the reserve to prevent illegal poaching, particularly of owls, during Diwali. The heightened vigil comes in the wake of concerns that poachers could exploit the festive Diwali season to enter the forests along the India-Nepal border and target owls and other animals. Senior forest authorities are reported to be particularly concerned about the demand for owls during Diwali owing to the superstitious beliefs. The owl is traditionally regarded as the vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi and a false belief persists among some people that sacrificing the bird during Diwali can bring prosperity to them. However, religious scholar Pt Ramdev Shastri of Chhoti Kashi Gola dismissed the practice as baseless and contrary to religious teachings and claimed that such beliefs had no mention in Hindu scriptures. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) field director Dr H. Rajamohan said teams had been constituted to intensify surveillance and take stringent action against poachers and those attempting unauthorised entry into the reserved forest area. The DTR, including Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur sanctuary and Katarniaghat sanctuary, would be opened for visitors for this year's tourism season from Sunday. Tiger reserve authorities would inaugurate the tourism season at a function. However, owing to the unexpected rain that caused waterlogging and damaged jungle routes at some vital places, jungle safari in Dudhwa will remain suspended on Sunday, Dr H Rajamohan said....