By Firstdespatch Desk May 23, 2026
Agartala, May 23 (FD) The Tripura government has decided to procure 200 firearms for forest personnel as part of a major initiative to strengthen enforcement against illegal timber smuggling in the state, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma said on Friday.
Speaking on the sidelines of a programme organised to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, the minister said the state government is also recruiting 167 forest guards who will undergo specialised training in forestry operations as well as firearm handling.
“The timber smuggling rackets have to be dealt with through stringent measures,” Debbarma said, adding that joint operations involving the Forest Department and the Tripura State Rifles are expected to significantly strengthen anti-smuggling enforcement activities across vulnerable forest areas.
Highlighting the government’s broader forest conservation initiatives, the minister said the department is simultaneously focusing on improving forest cover through extensive plantation drives and restoration of degraded forest land.
According to him, degraded forest areas are being identified using GIS mapping technology to facilitate targeted afforestation programmes. He added that several externally aided projects aimed at revival of forest land and prevention of deforestation are currently underway in the state.
On the issue of increasing human-animal conflict, Debbarma said the government is working to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and the safety of villagers living in forest fringe areas.
Referring particularly to the growing human-elephant conflict in Tripura, the minister noted that both humans and wild animals are facing difficulties due to shrinking forest habitats and increasing interaction between humans and wildlife.
The minister also informed that the Forest Department has initiated research into the rising incidents of monkey-related disturbances reported from different parts of the state.
“Our research wing is working to identify the root causes behind the problem,” he said, adding that the issue is being examined from both wildlife and human perspectives to develop a sustainable long-term solution. FD JK