Dehradun: Uttarakhand government is planning to form a special task force (STF) to combat the rising illegal felling of trees in the state’s forests. This initiative aims to take stringent action against forest smugglers.
Additionally, the government also plans to enhance the surveillance system and utilize modern technology, including drones, to monitor the forests.
Illegal felling of trees cases on rise in Uttarakhand
After many cases of illegal felling of forests reported from various parts of the state, the government’s concern has increased in this matter, therefore, preparations are being made to form a special task force to crack down on forest smugglers, for which serious deliberations are going on. Besides, progress is being made in the direction of strengthening the surveillance system to strengthen monitoring by using modern technology including drones.
Incidents of illegal felling of trees have come to light in various forest divisions
Recent incidents of illegal tree felling have been reported in the Tons Forest Division, Chakrata Forest Division, and other areas. Forest smugglers are entering these forests and cutting down valuable green trees, while the Forest Department remains silent. This situation raises concerns about the department’s operations and monitoring system. Although actions have been taken against personnel in the affected areas for negligence, protecting the forests has become a significant challenge in Uttarakhand.
Govt to release GEP index of forests in Uttarakhand
Recently, the Uttarakhand government has decided to fix the GEP (Grass Environment Product) index of state forests, it is necessary to protect the forest cover in the state. For this, the government has now decided to implement an effective action plan to crack down on forest smugglers.
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal has already given instructions that accountability will be ensured in any area where such incidents come to light. He also said, “In order to prevent incidents of illegal felling of trees in forests and to strictly control forest smugglers, the formation of a special task force under the forest department is being considered. In this sequence, with a view to the protection of forests, emphasis is being laid on strengthening the intelligence system in all areas and it has been decided to use modern technology along with better surveillance systems for monitoring the forests.”
Forest minister directed forest officials to prepare proposal
Additionally, discussions have begun on forming a special task force to prevent illegal tree felling in forest areas. Authorities are drafting a blueprint to determine whether this task force should operate at the division or circle level. The Forest Minister has instructed departmental officials to prepare a proposal for this initiative as soon as possible.
