Chanchal Gola | Ramnagar
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s visit to Corbett Tiger Reserve in the recent past has result in some positive developments towards tiger conservation. The tiger reserve will now be able to recruit forest guards through the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), addressing the long-standing shortage of forest personnel focussed specifically on protecting tigers.
While many tiger reserves across the country already have STPF units, Corbett has been operating without one, even as its tiger population continues to grow. This lack of dedicated protection has led to gaps in safeguarding the big cats.
CTR director Saket Badola informed that during the chief minister’s visit on July 8, he had raised the demand for the formation of an STPF unit in Corbett. The CM had agreed and instructed the department to submit a formal proposal, which has since been sent to the Forest headquarters in Dehradun.
The formation of the STPF has been pending for about 10 years. Once constituted, a total of 81 personnel will be recruited into the force. Badola informed that the STPF personnel will undergo specialised training focused on forest and wildlife conservation. Additionally, the personnel will be equipped with advanced technology and modern equipment. The force will be deployed in Corbett Tiger Reserve to assist in sensitive wildlife-related operations, he said.
Corbett warden Amit Gwasakoti shared that Corbett Tiger Reserve spans approximately 1,288 square kilometres and contains over 150 forest outposts. The park currently employs more than 250 daily wage staff and over 150 permanent forest officers and employees. Additionally, a local tiger protection unit comprising ex-servicemen has been working for years with limited resources. However, this is no longer considered sufficient to ensure the safety of the tigers and the region’s biodiversity.
It is pertinent to mention here that Dhami has also announced that trained soldiers who have completed four years of service under the Agniveer scheme will be eligible to join the STPF. After qualifying through the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) exam, these Agniveers will be directly deployed for the protection of tigers in Corbett.
Wildlife enthusiast Ganesh Rawat welcomed the move, stating, “A sensitive zone like Corbett has long needed an STPF. The deployment of Agniveers will strengthen park security and also help address the long standing staff shortage in the forest department.”
