Itanagar : The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the creation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) for three tiger reserves of the State – Namdapha, Pakke and Kamlang with creation of 336 regular posts.
The creation of the STPF is as per the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
“Our commitment to preserve tigers in the state is unwavering. The Cabinet nod to STPF with 336 regular posts will give a big boost to our ongoing efforts in taking care of Namdapha, Pakke and Kamlang tiger reserves,” Chief Minister Pema Khandu wrote on X.
A government official said the creation of STPF will lead to protection of Tigers and their habitats, protection of wildlife habitats, prevention of smuggling of wildlife articles, protection and safeguarding the assets of the department of environment, forest and climate change including those of Tiger Reserves and assisting in scientific management of Forests.
He said the STPF will be a dedicated and specialized Force with its own structure and composition as required for Tiger Reserves.
The Force would comprise of one company of 112 personnel each for 3 Tiger Reserves in the State and each company would be distributed into 3 Platoons and 18 Sections, he added.
According to the 2022 national tiger census, Arunachal Pradesh has a total of nine tigers in the three reserves– a decline of 20 tigers from the previous census done in 2018.
