Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma on Friday announced that the Forest Department is procuring 200 firearms to strengthen enforcement operations against organised timber smuggling networks active across the state.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Minister said the government was preparing to intensify action against the illegal timber trade through coordinated operations involving forest personnel and security forces.
“Timber smuggling has emerged as a serious challenge, and strict enforcement measures are required to dismantle such rackets,” Debbarma said. He added that the department was also moving ahead with the recruitment of 167 forest guards, who would receive specialised training in forestry management as well as firearm handling.
According to the Minister, the newly recruited personnel are expected to work in coordination with the Tripura State Rifles during anti-smuggling operations in vulnerable forest zones. He expressed confidence that joint operations would significantly strengthen surveillance and enforcement activities.
Debbarma further stated that the government was continuing efforts to improve the state’s forest cover through plantation and restoration programmes. He said degraded forest land was being identified through GIS-based mapping for targeted afforestation initiatives.
“In recent years, several plantation drives have been undertaken across the state, and the same momentum will continue in the coming years. Projects supported through external funding are also being implemented to restore forest land and prevent deforestation,” he said.
Addressing the issue of human-wildlife conflict, the Minister stressed the need for a balanced approach that safeguards both human settlements and wildlife habitats.
Referring to recurring incidents of human-elephant conflict in different parts of the state, Debbarma observed that increasing pressure on forest habitats had intensified tensions between wildlife and local communities.
“The administration has to ensure a balanced response so that neither humans nor wildlife suffer. Protecting biodiversity while addressing the concerns of villagers living near forest areas remains a major priority,” he noted.
The Minister also acknowledged growing complaints related to monkey menace in several areas of the state. He said the department’s research wing had been directed to study the underlying causes of the rising incidents.
“We are trying to understand the root causes scientifically so that a long-term solution can be developed. It is important to study the behavioural and habitat-related issues affecting primates instead of looking at the matter only from a human perspective,” he added.
