CM: Steps on for creation of Special Tiger Protection Force

ITANAGAR, May 1: Reaffirming that the Forest Protection Forces, as proposed by his govt, would be raised and deployed soon for protection of forests to sustain wildlife, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today divulged that initiatives were on to create a ‘Special Tiger Protection Force’ for enhancing the protective cover on the wild cats and other animals inhabiting in Tiger Reserves in the State.

The CM was addressing a gathering of officials of Forest department, civil administration, state police and central para-military forces after inaugurating a two-day orientation workshop on ‘strengthening wildlife law enforcement & conservation’ at Banquet Hall here this morning.

While stating that people of the State have a traditional relationship with wildlife, which forms an important part of their folklore and customary practices, Tuki said, simple way of tribal life and a philosophy which prescribes respect to the ways of nature have helped in preservation of several life forms in the State while many species became endangered elsewhere.

“We should carefully guard against invasion of market forces connected with illegal wildlife trade gaining entry into the state. It is highly relevant in the context of the long inter-state and international borders of the State that all the enforcement and regulatory agencies should be vigilant and conscious of the adverse effects of illegal wildlife trade.

It is necessary that the agencies adopt a multi-disciplinary approach in a coordinated manner to bring about synergy in their enforcement with the aim to prevent wildlife crime thus saving life of wild animals rather than getting carried away in any manner by seizure of wildlife products, which may not be enough,” averred the CM.

Underscoring the need for a massive awareness campaign for getting people’s support for increasing the efficacy of the enforcement, Tuki said that it is unfortunate that several elephant corridors, sanctuaries and reserves have been disturbed by human encroachment. Exploding human population and intervention inside wildlife domain has not only perturbed the existence of wild animals but also endangered precious forest produces.

“We all know much damage has been done. What has been done cannot be undone. However, my sincere appeal to forest officials as well as the common man would be to save whatever we still have. While forest officials need to be extra-vigilant, the common man should know his responsibilities towards the future generation and preserve the flora and fauna that we still have in tact.”

Expressing his grave concern on forest fires as seen in recent past, the CM said, “When we talk of preservation of wildlife, it is equally important that we ensure there is no wanton burning of forests. TheForestdepartment needs to evolve a strategy to prevent any such occurrences, even if it is by default. I believe there already is a stringent law that has enough provisions and sanctions for the department to act. Therefore, forest officials have to live up to their responsibilities and duties.”

The workshop, organized by State’s Department of Environment & Forests in collaboration with WWF-India and TRAFFICIndia, aimed to provide an overview on current status of forest and wildlife policies, legislation and international conventions in India and their enforcement, raise awareness and understanding of recent judicial pronouncements of the Supreme Court and High Courts on environmental and wildlife matters and to raise awareness on field situation and challenges of wildlife conservation in local context.

Those present in the inaugural ceremony were in-charge Chief Secretary Yeshi Tsering, PCCF B S Sajwan, PCCF (WL & BD) J L Singh and Dr Sejal Worah, Programme Director, WWF India.