Agartala, Tripura, May 1 (HBTV): Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma on Wednesday proposed the formation of a dedicated intelligence unit in the forest department to strengthen surveillance and curb timber smuggling.   

Speaking at a motorcycle distribution event for field-level officers in Agartala, the minister expressed strong dissatisfaction with the department's current condition and called for urgent reforms.

Debbarma said he felt ‘ashamed’ when informed by legislators about ongoing irregularities. He stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul from top to bottom. He highlighted the importance of efficient human resource deployment, stating that officers with expertise in anti-smuggling operations should be assigned such roles, while those skilled in research should focus on analytical work.

Debbarma criticised Divisional Forest Officers and Sub-Divisional Forest Officers for neglecting duties and flouting norms.   

“Every weekend, rangers rush to Agartala. Though not a violation of service rules, it becomes problematic when their whereabouts cannot be confirmed,” he said, expressing his frustration over a lack of accountability.

The minister proposed the creation of a forest department intelligence unit that would conduct raids and actively monitor illegal activities. He mentioned that a proposal for automated weapons had already been submitted to the state government.   

“If we can establish a robust 100-member armed task force, timber smuggling and illegal sand mining can be stopped,” he added.

Debbarma concluded by stating that the forest department's hierarchical structure would undergo reforms similar to the Tripura Police, to ensure greater efficiency and discipline within the system.