Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) to keep a special eye on the protection of animals

Lucknow : Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is moving steadily towards becoming a greener state. In this spirit, Forest and Wildlife Protection Month will be observed from April 8 to May 8. During this period, a comprehensive campaign will be launched across forest divisions to curb forest-related crimes and ensure wildlife protection.

The campaign will involve the Forest department, state police, and security forces deployed along the Nepal border, including the SSB. In addition to enforcement, public awareness programs will be conducted to sensitize citizens about the importance of forest and wildlife conservation.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Department Sunil Chaudhary informed that the campaign will run daily in three shifts: morning shift: 6 AM to 2 PM, Afternoon shift: 2 PM to 10 PM, and Night shift: 10 PM to 6 AM.

Dedicated teams are being constituted in each division, which will also be responsible for removing encroachments from forest lands.

Each campaign division will be overseen by the respective Zonal/Divisional Forest Conservator, who will serve as the nodal officer. Daily reports will be submitted to the command center established in the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.

Under the nodal officers’ supervision, efforts will also be made to motivate the public to plant trees and remain vigilant about incidents like forest fires. Special outreach will be conducted in villages to prevent such occurrences during summer.

PP Singh, nodal officer of the Fire Control Cell Headquarters, stated that as part of the safety drive, the public will be made aware of how to prevent forest fires. Citizens will be encouraged to promptly report even the smallest fire-related incidents to the Divisional Forest Officer or the Fire Control Cell, ensuring a quick response. The public will also be informed about the dedicated helpline number for forest-related emergencies.

Highlights of the Forest and Wildlife Protection Month
🔸 Strict Monitoring Under CM’s Zero-Tolerance Policy: Enhanced surveillance of forest and wildlife areas.
🔸 Crackdown on Illegal Tree Felling: Targeted operations to stop unauthorized logging.
🔸 Inspection of Saw Machines: Immediate action against illegal equipment.
🔸 Surprise Checks: To curb illegal trade of forest produce outside designated areas.
🔸 Rapid Response to Forest Fires: Timely action on fire incidents.
🔸 Awareness Campaigns & Seminars: Held at various locations to engage the public.
🔸 Enhanced Vigilance in Tiger Reserves: Special focus on sensitive zones like Pilibhit and Dudhwa with active deployment of the STPF.
🔸 Intensive Patrolling During Summer: In forest areas and around water sources to deter poachers.
🔸 Resolution of Pending Forest Crime Cases: Special drive to dispose of long-pending cases(H2) related to forest crime.