Various measures like formation of armed 112-member Special Tiger Protection Force in Corbett tiger reserve, increasing the number of beats and incorporating Global Positioning System into the patrolling are being taken to further strengthen wildlife security in Uttarakhand.
Addressing the media here on Wednesday, the State Forest Minister Dinesh Aggarwal said that the department has been directed to draft a proposal for a tiger rescue centre cum safari park in Corbett to provide proper shelter to rescued tigers and encourage wildlife tourism.
After reviewing various issues in Corbett, the minister stressed on the need for strengthening patrolling. “Electronic surveillance along the southern boundary of Corbett and other measures have improved wildlife security here but since the Amangarh range in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh is favoured by poachers and wildlife criminals targeting big cats in Uttarakhand, we have communicated with the UP Forest Department to chalk out a strategy for improving wildlife protection. I have also directed our department officials to install CCTV cameras at all the gates of Corbett and draft a proposal for expanding the area under electronic surveillance along the border of this tiger reserve. We will provide deep search metal detectors in all ranges to search for gin-traps laid by the poachers. Modern arms will also be provided to the 112-member STPF and the number of beats in Corbett will also be increased from the present 69 to further improve wildlife protection.
“A provision of Rs two crore has been made to procure modern firearms for department staff posted across the State. Two more motor boats will be bought for strengthening wildlife security at the Kalagarh reservoir and surrounding areas apart from provision of one motor boat each for Terai west and Terai east forest divisions,” said Aggarwal.
He informed that considering the tiger density in Corbett landscape, a proposal has been sought from the department for a tiger rescue centre cum tiger safari in Corbett tiger reserve for which a concept note will be submitted to the chief wildlife warden in the near future. Quality equipment will be provided to the staff in Corbett, Rajaji national park and other important wildlife rich areas.
Replying to a question about transfer of a post of deputy director from Govind wildlife sanctuary in Uttarkashi district to Rajaji, the minister said that the case is being checked. He also spoke about the various measures being taken for wildlife protection and habitat improvement in Rajaji.
The principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden SS Sharma informed that the STPF will consist of one assistant conservator of forests, three rangers, 18 foresters and 90 forest guards with some posts for forest guard rank personnel being reserved for locals. The field directors of Corbett, Rajaji and other senior department officials were also present at the Press conference.