LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh will set up a special Tiger Protection Force to combat the poaching of tigers and smuggling of their organs. The conservation initiative has been set in motion keeping in mind a large number of complaints received by UP's forest and wildlife department, of poaching attempts in and outside the Dudhwa National Park.
Chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar told TOI, "The forest department received many complaints of attempt to smuggle organs of poached animals. To prevent such occurrences, the government has decided to set up a Tiger Protection Force (TPF)."
The TPF, already in place in some states, will be raised by drawing police personnel from the state police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).
On Wednesday, Bhatnagar also directed all departments to strictly follow and implement recommendations made by the National Green Tribunal, with regards to checking air pollution in the state. He also advised the agriculture department to advice farmers against burning paddy straws on their farms and use it for agricultural and horticultural purposes instead. He also said construction agencies and contractors have been directed to cover construction material with plastic sheets, and to sprinkle water at construction sites to settle any dust that causes smog and pollution.
