Tigers may get a police force

■ Forest dept cracks down on poaching

The forest department is awaiting the government’s nod to deploy armed personnel to protect tigers in the Amrabad and Kawal reserves.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority had approved posting two companies of the Special Tiger Protection Force for the two reserves in 2015 but the project has been on hold since then.

With a string of poaching cases being registered in the state, the forest department thinks this is the right time to upgrade security for the tiger reserves.

The forest department is very upset with the recent seizure of tiger skin after the animal was killed in the core area of Kawal reserve. Later, two leopards were killed in the forests. It is learnt that the government had earlier thought it would be a financial burden to deploy the STPF.

“We have sent the proposals to the government,” a senior forest department official said. “We are sure we will get approval as the Chief Minister is showing special interest in protection of forests. The issue will be discussed at the state-level forest protection committee meeting on Saturday. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P.K. Jha is already working on it.”

The Centre will provide 60 per cent of the funds in the non-recurring expenditure under Project Tiger, while the state provides 40 per cent. In recurring expenditure, the state and the Centre bear 50 per cent each.

“The forest department move to ensure deployment of the Special Tiger Protection Force is welcome,” said Mr Imran Siddiqui of the Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society. “Conservation of tigers in Telangana is very necessary. The government must approve the project.”

Wildlife experts feel the government, more keen on the Haritha Haram for rejuvenation of forests, might give its nod for the tiger protection force.

If the government approves the STPF project

now, it will take at least six months to deploy the personnel. The forest department already has

50 per cent vacant posts and approval of STPF will help the department ensure safety of tigers.