Tripura foresters to get 200 firearms for fight against timber smuggling

Agartala: The Tripura govt has decided to buy 200 firearms for forest staff to strengthen their fight against timber smuggling, forest minister Animesh Debbarma said.The state is also looking to hire 167 forest guards, who will receive thorough training in forestry practices and the use of firearms, Debbarma said. He added that strict actions and collaborative efforts with the Tripura State Rifles will be implemented to enhance enforcement and disrupt timber smuggling operations.The minister said the department remains focused on increasing forest cover through extensive reforestation initiatives and restoring degraded lands, even though Tripura already enjoys more than 60% green coverage.For the afforestation program, areas of degraded forest are being identified using GIS mapping, as the minister pointed out. External projects are also being pursued to rejuvenate forest land and combat deforestation, the minister said.On human-wildlife conflict, Debbarma stressed the govt’s resolution to find a balance between safeguarding wildlife and ensuring the safety of residents. Specifically concerning human-elephant conflicts, Debbarma noted the adverse effects on both humans and elephants due to habitat loss and increased encounters.He said the department’s research division is studying rising disturbances caused by monkeys in different regions of the state to understand root causes and formulate long-term strategies.