Dehradun: In a landmark initiative unveiled on International Tiger Day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the direct induction of Agniveers into the soon-to-be-formed Tiger Protection Force at the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The force aims to significantly bolster the state’s wildlife protection infrastructure with disciplined and militarily trained youth.
A New Force for Tiger Conservation
The proposed Tiger Protection Force will comprise more than 80 young personnel tasked with ensuring the safety of tigers and their habitats. These recruits trained under the Agnipath scheme will bring military precision to their forest duties, playing a critical role in anti-poaching operations, wildlife crime surveillance, and habitat protection.
The force’s responsibilities will include routine patrols, real-time intelligence gathering, and swift action against forest offences such as poaching, illegal timber smuggling, and wildlife trafficking.
Technology-Backed Eco-Policing
Equipped with advanced technologies like drones, thermal imaging cameras, and GPS tracking devices, the unit is designed to act as a modern conservation force. It will also address broader environmental threats including illegal mining, encroachment on forest lands, and escalating instances of human-wildlife conflict in forest fringes. Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that Agniveers, trained in combat and discipline, are ideal for this high-intensity role.
A Model for Other States
The move marks a convergence of defence and ecological protection, positioning Uttarakhand as a national model in tiger conservation. By tapping into the skillset of Agniveers, the state aims to strengthen its conservation framework while offering meaningful post-service employment to youth who have served under the Agnipath scheme.
With India being home to over 70% of the world’s wild tigers, this development holds national significance. The Corbett Tiger Reserve, named after legendary conservationist Jim Corbett, remains one of the most critical tiger habitats in the country.
