The Forest Department of Tripura successfully confiscated illegal logs and timber worth a staggering amount of Rs 3,84,32,404 over the course of the past three years.
In addition, stringent measures were taken against 2,589 individuals under the Indian Forest Act of 1927 during the last five years.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who also holds the portfolio of the Forest Department, disclosed the information during the Budget session while responding to a question raised by the MLAs of the Treasury Bench.
During the last five-year period, a total of 2,251 Offence Reports were filed against wood smugglers, leading to the prosecution of 2,589 individuals involved in these illegal activities.
To combat timber smuggling effectively, the Forest Department established 19 Forest Protection Units and 3 Wild Animal Protection Units, employing a dedicated team of 278 personnel. Additionally, check posts and drop gates were strategically placed at vulnerable locations to curb timber smuggling.
The Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) are also playing a pivotal role in safeguarding and preserving the forests. There are a total of 1,052 JFMCs engaging 93,512 families. Moreover, 726 Van Mitras were appointed to further enhance forest protection efforts.
However, the Forest Department currently is facing a shortage of staff at the Forest Guard level.
To mitigate the shortage, the State Government is considering launching a recruitment drive to address this issue and bolster the department’s capabilities.
In response to another question raised during the session, Dr. Saha informed the House that five individuals tragically lost their lives due to elephant attacks in the state over the past three years, while eight others sustained injuries.
As per a notification issued in 2018, the families of the deceased individuals have received financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each from the government.
Among the eight injured individuals, five already received government assistance, and the process is underway for the remaining two. However, one injured person did not apply for assistance, as clarified by Dr. Saha during the session.