Latest news with #STPF
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Plan to re-train forest personnel in weapons handling
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Following the killing of a forest guard in May by poachers using a pump-action gun carried by him, the wildlife wing of the forest department has planned to re-train all its personnel possessing various firearms. Experts attributed the death to mishandling of the gun by the forest guard. The department provided all personnel with firearms last year after poachers killed two forest personnel in Similipal Tiger Reserve in 2023. "After the firearms were given to forest personnel, they received some training from police. But that is not enough. While periodical training is necessary for gun handling, we want to carry it out soon. We have had initial discussions with the home department. Proper training will ensure that the guns are not misused by poachers and are mostly used as a deterrent," said a top wildlife officer. Initially, forest personnel used weapons owned by police such as pistols, revolvers and .303 rifles during their training. After the new weapons were received, they received another round of training. Four types of guns — 9mm pistol (automatic), pistol, 5.56mm Excalibur rifle(equivalent in lethality to Insas), and pump-action gun — have been given to forest personnel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Georgia: Kitchen Remodeling Trends in 2025 May Surprise You Kitchen Remodeling | Search ads Search Now Undo While pistol is allowed to be used by deputy range officers and above rank, the Excalibur is for use by Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) personnel. Pump-action guns were given to forest guards and foresters. "For handling new guns, the personnel received three-day weapons training apart from training on tackling crisis situations. Altogether, 40 personnel in Similipal received training. They will get further training along with others in their respective districts from police," the officer added. At least 10 years after the STPF was raised, its personnel received weapons training. They now trek the forest and track poachers with just sticks. A handful of them carry double-barrel firearms. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Business Recorder
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Commerce Division's expenditure: NA approves two demands for grants of over Rs26.99bn
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly approved two demands for grants of more than Rs26.99 billion for Commerce Division's expenditure for the financial year ending June 30, 2026. Finance and Revenue Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the demands in the Lower House of the Parliament for approval. The opposition members moved as many as 67 cut motions on these two demands. The finance minister opposed the cut motion. After majority voice voting, the house rejected the cut motions of the opposition. The finance minister presented 26.949 billion a demand for grant to meet the expenditure during the financial year ending on June 30, 2026; another Rs50 million demand for grant in respect of development expenditure of Commerce Division. While winding up discussion on cut motions, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan said that the current export of Pakistan stand at $30.3 billion. He said that the government wants to extend the export at $60 billion in next four years by taking measures. He said that government is going to introduce the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2024–30 to enhance export. The minister said that for this purpose, we have conducted several meetings on 17 sectoral councils with exporters to get their inputs. He said, 'Our policy reflects ground realities and has clear steps to achieve the $60 billion target. We have examined the inputs of exporters within a time frame. We identified challenges in each sector, proposed legal and institutional reforms, and created a clear roadmap.' He said that the ministry addressed key issues such as production costs, taxation, and monetary policy to make the environment business-friendly. He announced that Pakistan's commercial attachés abroad have been renamed as Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs), and are now selected through a competitive process involving private sector representatives. 'For the first time, we are launching an Electronic Trade Analysis Portal. TIOs will use the portal to report daily on performance, outreach, and investment opportunities. Their work will be measured through strict KPIs and TORs.' He stressed that transparency, accountability, and efficiency are now central to trade governance. 'Our export policy is now built on real-time action, not just paperwork.' About the export of rice, he said that Pakistan recorded a five-year high in Basmati rice exports this year. 'Even with India returning to the market and slashing prices by 15–20 percent, our rice exports held firm at $3.3 billion.' He said that for the first time, the Commerce Ministry has also appointed a Head of Research to guide decisions based on solid data and market trends. He also stressed that agro-food and food technology has been identified as key export areas. 'We're bringing food tech into our export policy to meet global market needs.' The minister said that Pakistan achieved $8 billion in agro-food exports last year—its highest ever. 'This came despite falling global demand, dropping interest rates, and inflation now in single digits.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
22-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Year-round rations help boost tiger force morale, curb poaching: Similipal director
Bhubaneswar: Providing rations to the 800-strong protection force throughout the year, the only reserve in the country to do so, has helped raise motivation levels and reduce poaching cases, authorities of Similipal Tiger Reserve said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Started last year, the initiative costs the forest department Rs 1.8 crore annually. "While the initiative has significantly reduced poaching, it has also improved staff attendance and morale. The protection team, comprising Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) personnel, ex-Army members and protection assistants, has shown improved commitment to their duties through the unique measure. Monthly, we spend around Rs 1,800 per personnel towards ration costs. The field personnel are able to get better nutrition, keep fatigue at bay, maintain energy and work on a timely basis. There is hardly any instance of unauthorised leave," said Similipal field director Prakash Gogineni. Authorities said Similipal used to report at least five poaching and attempted poaching cases a month, which has now dropped to one. "Apart from sincerity, loyalty and raised motivation levels of staff because of free rations, the use of technology, especially AI and infra-red cameras, introduction of all-terrain vehicles and firearms, have helped check poaching incidents," Gogineni added. Wildlife officials said there is not a single patch in the 2,750sq km area of Similipal which is inaccessible now, thanks to technology, staff welfare and high-end vehicles. In monsoon, the wildlife wing used to deploy a separate strategy for foot patrolling as most of the forest routes were inhospitable. Now, the situation has changed. "In all the anti-poaching and STPF camps, there are cooks and mess leaders who plan the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now An experienced staffer among them does the cooking. They stock up the groceries for a week. Since it is hilly terrain, groceries have to be brought in small trucks to the camps. When the forest department was not providing rations, the field staff used to get tired while negotiating the hilly terrain," said a wildlife officer. Each STPF team has 25 personnel, comprising 5 from STPF, 5 ex-Army and 15 protection assistants, who are not regular employees. Mostly, they carry out patrolling along the footpaths in the deep forest where poachers operate. However, each team has been provided with a specialised ATV. They carry walkie-talkies but the control room or their base camps receive distress calls from the field personnel in case of lightning or if they are attacked by poachers, wildlife officials said.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Union min launches gharial conservation plan at Katarniaghat
Bahraich: Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, Bhupender Yadav , inaugurated the Gharial Species Conservation Programme by releasing seven young gharials into the Gerua river in Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary. The event marked a significant step in the conservation of the critically endangered reptile species. During a boat safari, the minister observed dolphins, otters, and gharials in their natural habitat. He described the experience as "unforgettable" and praised Katarniaghat as a unique blend of grasslands, woodlands, and flowing river landscapes, offering breathtaking natural beauty. Yadav emphasized the ecological importance of forests and wildlife, calling them the "natural heritage of the Earth" that help maintain ecological balance and enrich human life. He highlighted India's rich biodiversity and called for community-based conservation approaches. During his visit to Dudhwa tiger reserve and interactions with public representatives, forest officials, NGOs, and villagers, the minister received 25–30 suggestions for improving forest and wildlife conservation. He announced that these suggestions would be incorporated into a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict and ensuring sustainable coexistence. Yadav also reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for community-driven development and healthy environments. He urged the public to contribute to environmental preservation by planting at least one tree in their name. The minister held discussions with members of the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), distributed jungle patrol kits, and was shown a documentary on Katarniaghat. He also participated in a session on innovative community engagement strategies to involve local communities in forest and tribal conservation efforts. Key topics during the presentation by the divisional forest officer (DFO) included human-wildlife conflict mitigation, community engagement strategies, wildlife rescue operations, CSR based lighting installations in forest-adjacent areas. The minister concluded his visit by touring the NIC facility and signing the feedback wall, affirming the govt commitment to preserving India's unique ecosystems. Senior officials including principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri, additional principal chief conservator (project tiger) Lalit Verma, and Dudhwa field director H. Rajamohan were present on the occasion.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Solidarity group representing Jenu Kuruba Adivasis submit letter to senior forest officials demanding withdrawal of forces in Nagarahole
Representatives of a solidarity group met the Karnataka Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and the PCCF (Head of Forest Forces) on Monday and urged them to withdraw uniformed forces in Karadikallu, Nagarahole. The representatives of over 70 social and environmental organisations, youth groups, experts and professionals submitted a letter to the PCCF stating that the forces are threatening 150 Jenu Kuruba adivasis with forced eviction which is in gross violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) provisions. 'The collective submitted this letter to the PCCF in light of the recent tense situation that has been unfolding in Karadikallu Hattur Kollehaadi, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve from May 5 onwards, where over 120 paramilitary troops of the Forest Department, the State police, and the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) have been deployed to intimidate members of the Jenu Kuruba tribe, with threats to forcibly evict them,' the representatives said in a statement. It further said that on May 5 and 6, 52 families of Karadikallu returned to reclaim their ancestral village from which they were forcibly evicted in 1982-83. 'Since then, they have been facing intimidation tactics, with paramilitary troops threatening the Jenu Kuruba members, dismantling structures, including sacred sites and temporary sites for menstruating women, blocking of access to the village by Forest Department officials, amounting to a gross infringement of constitutionally guaranteed rights under the FRA,' it further said. In their letter, apart from demanding the withdrawal of STPF and other armed forces they called of initiating an immediate dialogue with members of the Nagarahole Adivasi Jammapale Hakku Sthapana Samiti (NAJHSS) and the Karadikallu FRC to address grievances and ensure democratic and participatory resolution. 'Allow free and fair media access to Nagarahole to report the situation and speak with affected community members, upholding transparency and accountability. Immediately recognise and approve the IFR, CFR, and CFRR claims of all the 52 families of Karadikallu Hattur Kollehaadi as per the FRA, based on the claims filed in 2021 and the completed joint verification,' were among the other demands.
