Tripura Forest Minister bats for strengthening grassroots-level forest protection

Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma today emphasized the urgent need to strengthen grassroots-level forest protection to combat increasing threats from forest resource smugglers. 

He was speaking at a program titled "Strengthening the Grassroots Forest Protection System in the State", held at the Tripura State Forest Academy grounds in Hatipara.

Organized by the Forest Department, the event marked a significant step in empowering field-level forest staff, with the distribution of 58 motorcycles to forest rangers across all districts. 

These vehicles are expected to boost mobility and improve response times in remote forest areas, enhancing the department’s capacity to safeguard forest land.

"Forests are crucial for human survival, yet we continue to lose them due to human negligence. To reverse this trend, collective effort is essential. These motorcycles will play a key role in protecting our forests, and more such initiatives are on the way to upgrade our protection infrastructure,” the Forest Minister stated.

He also announced that an increased number of trees will be planted across the state this year, aligning with the government’s broader afforestation goals.

The event was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (A.P.R. and Protection) Chaitanya Murthy, who delivered the welcome address. Principal Secretary of the Forest Department and Head of Forest Force R.K. Shyamal graced the occasion as a guest of honour.

Other senior officials present included PCCF (P. & D.) Praveen Agarwal, CCF (Territorial) Dr. K. Sasikumar, and various officers and staff of the Forest Department.