After two-day deliberations with representatives of NGOs, forest department officials and other stakeholders, Javadekar said on Saturday the special rhino protection force would comprise youths recruited from areas in and around Kaziranga.

"Assam is emotionally invested in rhino conservation. We follow a principal of zero tolerance of poaching. The Centre will do its best to protect rhinos. At the same time, the state government has to shoulder more responsibilities to make this mission successful," Javadekar added.

The minister's maiden visit to Assam after taking charge of MoEFCC comes at a time the state is facing flak from political and non-political bodies over increased rhino poaching. Javadekar termed his visit "Mission Kaziranga" and promised to give shape to a "Friends of Rhinos" movement which would involve the public as well.

Kaziranga has already lost 22 rhinos to poachers this year. Javadekar said 24 poachers have been arrested and 20 killed. He said he would enquire into the status of CBI investigations in two poaching cases in Kaziranga.

The minister asked the forest department to make protected areas encroachment-free. Admitting Kaziranga is facing a severe space crunch, Javadekar said the Centre would work on a comprehensive plan to improve the situation. Kaziranga has 2,329 rhinos as per a 2013 census. Some of the animals were translocated here from Manas National Park.

The Union minister promised health insurance cover for the park's frontline staff. "Forest guards have to work day and night in difficult and hostile situations. We will work out a health insurance scheme for them," he said, adding that MoEFCC hopes to distribute funds from CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) after a Supreme Court verdict this month. More than Rs 30,000 crore has accumulated in the fund over the last 12 years, he said.