New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, Jan 15: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued fresh directives to strengthen tiger conservation across the country. In a letter to all Chief Wildlife Wardens, the Centre has ordered the removal of outsourcing staff from tiger reserves and directed states to fill all vacant posts with trained personnel. The move comes amid concerns over poaching and inadequate monitoring in several reserves, officials said on Thursday.

Key Measures

The Ministry has asked states to ensure that field director positions are never left vacant. Anti-poaching efforts will be reinforced with modernised equipment, while forest staff posted in core areas will be provided better living facilities, comparable to those available to military and paramilitary forces.

Staff Welfare and Training

The directives also include skill enhancement programmes for officers and staff, along with the immediate filling of vacant posts. Teams of veterinarians will be deployed to assist forest personnel in managing wildlife health. In case of staff fatalities during duty, compensation equivalent to that given to military personnel will be provided.

Community Involvement

To strengthen awareness, social service groups will work with local communities living around reserves. The ministry believes that involving residents in conservation efforts will help reduce poaching and improve protection of tiger habitats.

Odisha’s Context

In Odisha, Satkosia reserve has become tiger-less, while Similipal has recorded growth in its population, now hosting 32 tigers, including the rare melanistic (black) tiger. The Forest Department has prioritised its protection, though poaching incidents continue to be reported. Plans are also underway to introduce tigers from outside states into Debrigarh sanctuary.

National Picture

India currently has 58 tiger reserves across 18 states. Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park leads with 260 tigers. Conservationists warn that without strict enforcement, tiger numbers could decline instead of rising, despite ongoing efforts.