The Uttarakhand government has approved the formation of Special Tiger Protection Forces for the Corbett and Rajaji tiger reserves as part of efforts to strengthen wildlife conservation and tackle rising challenges related to human-wildlife conflict. The decision was taken during the 23rd meeting of the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the state secretariat in Dehradun on Friday.
The newly approved dedicated units will focus on improving tiger protection, preventing poaching activities, and enhancing surveillance systems in the two important tiger habitats of the state. Officials said the specialised forces will help strengthen field-level protection measures and support conservation efforts through better monitoring and rapid response mechanisms.
The state government also announced plans to introduce a state-level award to honour citizens who show exceptional courage while saving others during wildlife attacks. Chief Minister Dhami said people who take risks to protect others during human-animal conflicts deserve recognition, and directed officials to prepare a detailed action plan aimed at reducing such incidents and encouraging greater community participation.
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Highlighting the importance of conservation, Dhami said wildlife protection remains a major priority for the government. He called for faster efforts to safeguard wildlife corridors and ensure that development projects are processed while maintaining a balance between environmental protection and infrastructure growth. He emphasized that modern technology and local community involvement would play a key role in reducing conflict between humans and animals.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to ensure timely compensation for people injured in wildlife attacks and families of those who lose their lives in such incidents. He stressed the need for better coordination between conservation programmes, biodiversity protection initiatives, and the livelihood needs of communities living near forest areas.
Uttarakhand is already using several technology-based measures, including camera traps, drones, quick response teams, snake-rescue kits, and solar lights in conflict-prone zones. Dhami called for wider use of artificial intelligence-based surveillance, scientific wildlife management practices, and the development of natural water sources to improve wildlife habitats. The government aims to combine technology, conservation efforts, and public participation to create a safer environment for both wildlife and local communities.
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