Corbett forms special tiger force after decadelong wait

DEHRADUN: Ending a decade-long wait, Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) has constituted a special tiger protection force (STPF) to strengthen protection of the big cat. The special force will start functioning from August 15 coinciding with Independence Day.

Corbett is home to nearly 240 tigers and known for its highest density of tigers in India. At present, the tiger reserve, spread on 1,288 sq km area, is manned by 139 field staff. This means that each staff has at least 9 sqkm area to patrol and keep vigil.

The newly constituted STPF that recruited 35 ex-servicemen from Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam Limited (UPNL) will guard the tiger reserve’s highly porous 50 km southern boundary along Uttar Pradesh.

“We will deploy the special force in the southern boundary that is porous and needs strict vigil. In the meantime, we will also complete the structure of the force,” said Rahul Kumar, director Corbett.

The development comes after the state government on August 6 sought 15 days’ time from the Uttarakhand high court for taking a decision on raising of STPF for protection of tigers.

Corbett opens for tourists between November 15 and June 15. The reserve receives over 3 lakh tourists and generate ₹9 crore revenue every year.

The initial notification for the STPF issued in 2008 mandates 30% reservation for forest dwellers to ensure livelihood for locals and also ensure they play a role in protecting wildlife. This, however, was turned down by the central government.