Siliguri, June 29 -- West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon has appealed to environmentally conscious people to cooperate with the Forest Department in protecting and conserving wildlife within the core area of the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the state's Alipurduar district.
The minister issued the appeal through a video message on his social media account following protests by a section of forest villagers and residents.
Over the past few days, a group of people has been protesting against forest officials for strictly enforcing the state government's annual 90-day closure of the reserve, which will remain in force until September 15.
The restrictions prevent outsiders and tourists from entering the forest through Rajabhatkhawa and Jay...