Arms distributed to field staff of Forest Department
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 12 2023:
A distribution programme of arms to the field staff of the Forest Department was held at Forest Headquarters on March 7, 2023 .
The programme was graced by Forests, Environment and Climate Change Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh, PCCF & HOFF and Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr A K Joshi, IFS and senior officers of Forest Department, said a press note by the Department.
The Forest Department has procured 40 Pump Action Rifles and 60 Double Barrel guns to equip the field staff of Forest Department to meet the challenges coming in the way of protection and management of forests.
In this regard, 49 Forest Guards and Foresters have been trained in arms handling and operation at Manipur Police Training College, Pangei.
The Government is in the process of conducting arms training of more forest field staff at the MPTC, Pangei in batches.
After the review, the Department may also consider the proposal of procuring more such arms.
Divisional Forest Officers of Central Forest Division; Kangpokpi Forest Division; Churachandpur Forest Division; Thoubal Forest Division; Bishnupur Forest Division and Chandel Forest Division and Dy CF, Parks and Sanctuary received the arms from the Minister.
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister highlighted the commitment of the Government under the leadership of the Chief Minister to strengthen protection measures of Forest Department.
He noted that in absence of arms protection, the field staff was prone to demoralisation in the face of threats in the field.
These arms would help make the frontline staff more confident and better equipped in discharging their duties, he added.
It may be noted that the Government has started consolidation of all Reserved Forests and Protected Forests and addressing the issue of illegal encroachment on forest lands.
Such steps of distributing arms will go a long way in not only strengthening the forest force but also boost their morale in tackling varied issues like illegal timber transit, illegal mining and quarrying, illegal sawmills, hunting, etc.