The Uttarakhand Forest Department has stepped up efforts to strengthen tiger protection in the state, moving ahead with the deployment of 81 Special Tiger Guards in Corbett Tiger Reserve. 

After prolonged delays due to regulatory and procedural hurdles, the Forest Headquarters has now sent a requisition to the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) to begin the recruitment process. The new force is expected to be in place by next year.

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With their induction, the number of personnel dedicated to wildlife protection in Corbett will rise to 331. At present, 250 forest sub-inspectors and forest guards are responsible for safeguarding 260 tigers. As per National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines, every tiger reserve must maintain an additional specialised force for tiger protection.

Under the approved plan, Special Tiger Guards will be recruited as forest guards but will undergo specialised training focused on anti-poaching operations and intelligence strengthening. Agniveers will receive preference during recruitment. The guards will serve in the specialised unit until the age of 40, after which they will be shifted to other divisions.

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Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Meenakshi Joshi confirmed that the requisition for 81 posts has been sent to the UKSSSC. Corbett Tiger Reserve Director Dr Saket Badola said the deployment will further enhance the reserve’s security grid and bolster ongoing conservation measures.

“Comprehensive steps have been taken for the protection of tigers in Corbett Tiger Reserve. The security cordon of Corbett will be further strengthened with the addition of this force in the form of Special Tiger Guards,” said Dr Saket Badola, Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve.