Tripura Government has set up Forest Protection Force to check rampant smuggling of forest produce, movement of insurgents in the forest, and to improve infrastructure of forest resources.

The first batch of the new force comprising 138 cadres – one of them a lady - passed out from the Sipahijala Forest Training School. State Forest Minister, Pranab Debbarma was present on the occasion.

Principal Prasenjit Biswas said that the jawans received training in handling sophisticated weapons like AK-47, carbine, and self loading rifle (SLR). The jawans were
also given training about use of wireless system and jungle warfare to combat militants who use the deep forests as a cover to ambush the security forces.

Biswas said the FPF cadres have been given orientation in zoo management, conservation and promotion of bamboo, promotion of medical plant, forest fire control, enforcement of environment pollution control acts and rules and joint forest management.

Debi Banerjee who earned the distinction of being the first FPF woman cadet will get her baptism in the force by doing duty in the four dense forest cover areas including Paticheeri, Dangabari and Subal of North Tripura district.

"I know it is a challenging job since it deals with the protection of nature, but I am ready to face any eventuality to protect the forest and environment with the help of my male colleagues", she said.

Separate forest protection force is a long standing demand to checkmate large-scale smuggling of forest produce and to deal effectively with insurgents who are using forests as safe passage. The State Government has sought Centre’s support for the new force.
    
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