Tamil Nadu government’s Environment, Climate Change and Forests department has added 285 vehicles to its fleet. They include 200 electric two-wheelers, 50 SUVs and 35 specially designed rescue and rehabilitation vehicles. These vehicles were flagged off by Chief Minister MK Stalin from the Secretariat on Tuesday.
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The specially designed 35 vehicles were procured at a cost of Rs 5 crore. These vehicles can be used to undertake rescue and rehabilitation activities in wildlife areas. They will be deployed in 35 districts. The vehicles have been modified to carry frontline staff to conflict areas and also locations of forest fires. They can carry trap cages for leopards/tigers and other small animals, trapping nets and firefighting equipment among others. The vehicles are equipped with search lights to enable animal rescue during night time too. They are fitted with GPS and public address systems also.
The department has procured 200 electric two-wheelers at a cost of Rs 2.4 crore. These e-bikes would be given to the frontline staff to visit and patrol remote interior areas. This would also help in better project management. It has also inducted 50 SUVS meant for the use of field management units. These were procured at a cost of Rs 4.6 crore.