Agartala, April 30:
Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma has voiced fresh concerns over the ongoing deforestation in the state due to various developmental initiatives, stressing the urgent need for strengthening forest protection and systemic reforms within the forest department to safeguard the region’s green cover.
Addressing a government event on Wednesday at the Tripura State Forest Academy in Hatipara, where 58 motorcycles were handed over to forest range officials, the Minister underlined that development efforts must not come at the cost of destroying forests. “Protecting forests is essential for protecting human life. True development must revolve around conservation, not deforestation,” he stated.
Pointing out that forests cover nearly 62% of Tripura’s landmass, Debbarma questioned the necessity of the state’s growing number of national highways, many of which have led to extensive tree felling.
He warned that indiscriminate construction — whether national highway or government buildings — does not necessarily equate to progress if it comes at the expense of natural ecosystems.
To bolster field-level forest protection, the government has equipped range officers and guards with motorbikes for rapid response to illegal activities like logging and poaching. “Planting trees isn’t enough — their survival must also be ensured. We’ve planted over five lakh saplings, but how many survived? That needs to be evaluated,” the Minister said.
Debbarma criticized operational gaps within the forest department, highlighting the lack of presence of officers in forest zones. “Many officers prefer to stay in Agartala, even during workdays. They must work from the field, camp in forest areas, and revive time-tested conservation models,” he stressed.
On the issue of rampant sand mining, Debbarma said forest mafias are openly operating, making enforcement increasingly difficult. To tackle this, the state plans to establish an intelligence unit and use drone surveillance. The Tripura State Rifles (TSR) will also assist in forest raids, and the government has proposed arming forest staff with sophisticated weapons like AK56 rifles.
The Minister insisted that forest protection must remain above political influence.
Calling for respect and modern training for forest staff, Debbarma emphasized that they deserve status equivalent to the police. “Today’s forest officers must be trained in technology, surveillance, and security — not just in flora and fauna,” he added.
Senior officials from the Forest Department also attended the event, which served as a platform for the Minister’s strong appeal to unite in the fight against environmental crime.
With over 62% forest cover, Tripura’s forests are not only ecological havens but also essential to the livelihoods and culture of its people. Safeguarding them is as much a socio-economic duty as it is an environmental one.
