On International Tiger Day, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that trained Agniveers from Uttarakhand will be directly appointed to the Tiger Protection Force being set up at Corbett Tiger Reserve. The force will include over 80 personnel and is aimed at strengthening tiger conservation efforts in the region.
The CM said the primary goal of this force is to safeguard tigers and their habitats. The initiative will not only support wildlife protection but also offer meaningful employment to youth trained under the Agnipath scheme. Dhami emphasized that this step would significantly aid in curbing illegal hunting activities and enhancing overall forest security.
The new Tiger Protection Force will be tasked with preventing poaching, tackling forest crimes like timber smuggling, illegal mining, and encroachments. The CM highlighted that the force will also handle situations arising from human-wildlife conflict, especially when tigers stray into inhabited areas.
By deploying Agniveers, the government aims to integrate the discipline and resilience instilled through military training into conservation work. These individuals are physically fit, mentally prepared, and capable of managing high-stress environments, making them ideal for forest patrolling and anti-poaching operations.
CM Dhami stated that this move sets a unique example of military-trained personnel contributing directly to environmental protection. Their induction into the force is expected to reduce poaching incidents and involve local communities more actively in conservation initiatives.
