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.
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Byasadev Majhi (right), secretary of the Kalahandi Gram Sabha Mahasangha, issuing a transit pass for kendu and bamboo trucks at Pipadi village. | Photo Credit: BISWARANJAN ROUT The government-owned Kendu Leaf Organisation of Odisha has been gradually easing restrictions on the trade. In 2013, the State allowed pluckers, self-help groups, and other community collectives to sell kendu leaves to buyers of their choice in Nabarangpur district. This was followed by deregulation notices in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2021, each applying to specific villages, blocks, or districts. 'We are surprised that the Forest Department hasn't extended this freedom across Odisha. Why restrict the trade of minor forest produce when villagers are capable of making their own decisions?' Mohanty says. The Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Limited (TDCCOL), a State-run agency, oversees procurement and implements minimum support prices (MSP) for minor forest produce. Currently, 23 items — including seeds from the sal and mahua trees, lac, and honey — are covered under MSP. Byasadev Majhi, Secretary of the Kalahandi Gram Sabha Mahasangha, says, 'We don't dismiss the role of government agencies, but communities should have the autonomy to decide how and where to sell their produce. The State should step in only if traders collude to manipulate the market.' satyasundar.b@ Edited by Sunalini Mathew Published - May 31, 2025 10:39 pm IST
