Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma has demanded the deployment of 400 Tripura State Rifles (TSR) personnel under District Forest Officers (DFOs) to tackle illegal timber smuggling. He has also sought approval for the Forest Protection Unit (FPU) to purchase AK-47 rifles, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to safeguard the state’s forests.
During a press conference on Thursday, Debbarma expressed concern over the increasing deforestation caused by timber smuggling. He said organized networks were exploiting forest resources and that existing security measures had failed to deter them. He insisted that only a specialized force with advanced weapons could handle the situation effectively.
The minister highlighted that timber smugglers operate with sophisticated logistics, making it difficult for regular forest guards to intervene. He pointed out that these criminals often carry weapons, putting the lives of forest personnel at risk. He said deploying TSR personnel with AK-47 rifles would not only deter smugglers but also provide necessary protection to those enforcing the law.
Debbarma stressed that timber smuggling was not just an environmental issue but also a significant economic and security concern. He explained that illegal logging strips the state of valuable resources and leads to severe ecological imbalances. He also accused smugglers of having political backing and warned that strong action would be taken against anyone found supporting them.
The minister revealed that several proposals had already been sent to higher authorities for approval. He said the government was committed to strengthening forest security and had begun discussions with law enforcement agencies to formulate a coordinated strategy. He also urged the judiciary to ensure that offenders faced strict punishment instead of being released on bail.
Local conservationists have welcomed the move but raised concerns about the militarization of forest protection. Environmental activist Biswajit Sinha said while stronger enforcement was necessary, excessive force could lead to unintended consequences. He argued that community-based conservation efforts should be strengthened alongside security measures.
Opposition leaders have criticized the minister’s demand for AK-47 rifles, calling it an extreme step. A senior CPIM leader said the government should focus on addressing corruption within the forest department instead of introducing armed enforcement. He also claimed that several high-ranking officials were complicit in smuggling operations.
Debbarma dismissed the opposition’s allegations and reiterated that drastic action was necessary to protect Tripura’s forests. He assured that the security personnel would be given specialized training to ensure responsible handling of weapons. He also mentioned that the government would take steps to involve local communities in conservation efforts.
The demand for armed intervention has sparked debates across Tripura. Some residents believe that deploying TSR personnel will restore order, while others fear that excessive force may lead to violence in forested regions. Many villagers who depend on forest resources for livelihood are worried about how the crackdown will impact them.
Forest department officials have started surveying high-risk areas and identifying zones where illegal activities are rampant. The government has also hinted at stricter border control measures to prevent timber from being smuggled into neighboring states.
Tripura has witnessed a steady rise in deforestation over the years, with illegal timber trade contributing significantly to the problem. Authorities have launched multiple crackdowns, but the lack of well-equipped personnel has allowed smuggling networks to thrive. Officials say that without drastic measures, the situation will only worsen.
Debbarma remains firm on his stance and insists that protecting the forests requires immediate action. He has called for public cooperation and urged citizens to report suspicious activities. He also assured that alternative employment opportunities would be provided to those affected by stricter enforcement policies.
The final decision on deploying TSR personnel and approving the purchase of AK-47 rifles lies with the higher authorities. While some see this as a necessary step to curb deforestation, others argue that addressing the root causes of illegal logging requires a more balanced approach.
