Agartala, July 1: Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma has levelled serious allegations against a section of forest department officials, accusing them of colluding with timber mafias and enabling large-scale forest destruction in the state.
Speaking at the 76th State Level Vanamahotsava celebration at Behalabari in Khowai district, held under the theme “One Tree, One Life”, Debbarma said the department is gathering evidence to take strict action against those involved in the illegal activities. He cited a central government survey revealing that Tripura has lost nearly 100 square kilometers of forest land—an alarming trend that demands immediate attention.
Highlighting the challenge of tackling heavily armed timber smugglers, the minister announced that Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has approved the deployment of a battalion of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) to safeguard forest areas.
Debbarma also flagged the issue of illegal forest encroachment for rehabilitation and other purposes as a major contributor to deforestation. He emphasized that the government has intensified afforestation efforts, planting over 6.5 lakh saplings this year alone.
Addressing the media after the event, Debbarma also spoke about the rise in man-animal conflicts, especially involving elephants. He confirmed that the NHIDCL has been instructed to construct dedicated elephant corridors along national highways to ensure safe wildlife movement.
Calling trees the “lungs of the planet,” Debbarma underlined their critical role in ecological balance. He praised indigenous communities for their sustainable forest practices, contrasting them with urban exploiters who profit from illegal logging.
To further conservation efforts, he announced expanded Joint Forest Management initiatives involving local villagers and tribal youth, alongside mass plantation drives and environmental awareness programs.
The event was attended by Chief Whip Kalyani Saha Roy, MP Kriti Debi Singh, several MLAs, TTAADC Executive Member Ananta Debbarma, PCCF RK Samal, and other senior officials. Saplings were also planted as part of the celebration.
