Armed personnel to protect wildlife, forest

Agartala: Tripura govt has embarked on a plan to employ a contingent of dedicated armed forces for the protection of wildlife and forest resources in the state, forest minister Animesh Debbarma said here on Thursday.
About 60.02% of Tripura's geographical area has been recorded as forest. According to the forest survey, at least 6,294sqkm out of a total geographical area of 10,486sqkm are still under green cover despite severe onslaught like shifting cultivation, allotment of pattas under Forest Right Act and encroachment.
Debbarma said, "The proposal for providing forest guards with automated weapons has already been initiated, and hopefully, the cabinet will clear the nod, and if it is done at least 100 armed task force personnel will be employed to prevent timber smuggling, and illegal sand mining can be prevented substantially."
He also proposed the creation of a separate intelligence unit like police along with armed personnel to prevent timber smuggling, destruction of forest, encroachment of forestland, poaching, conduct raids, and actively monitor illegal activities.
He said the forest has become vulnerable due to illegal activities, and the situation appears to be challenging for the foresters.