Abohar (Punjab), Apr 18 : Officials of a sanctuary near Abohar in Punjab have sought more government aid.

Sanctuary guards do not have proper uniforms or licenses to protect the animals from poachers.

"The government is not helping us enough. We don't have sufficient government resources. The people support us and we are able to manage the sanctuary well," claimed Ashok Kumar, the Game Warden.

The sanctuary is spread across 46,513 acres and comprises of 13 villages in Firozpur District.

The Bishnoi community inhabits these villages and they are well known for their commitment to safeguard the environment and animals.

The Bishnois have volunteered to protect the animals from poachers, but admit that they have their limitations in terms of the time to be devoted and the distances to be covered..

The sanctuary was established by the Punjab Government in 1975.

Besides blackbucks, spotted deer, nilgais, peacocks, wild boars and hares live in the sanctuary. (ANI)