UP Forest Personnel Skip Shooting Competition, Highlighting Critical Training Deficit
In a revealing incident from Pilibhit, armed forest personnel in Uttar Pradesh conspicuously avoided a three-day shooting competition organized by the Pilibhit district rifle club, which concluded recently. This absence has brought to light a significant and concerning gap in firearms training among those tasked with protecting the state's forests and wildlife.
Special Category for Government Officials Goes Unused
The rifle club had specifically introduced a special category for government officials in the event to encourage participation. However, not a single armed forest personnel attended. Officials explained that this issue stems from a fundamental lack of provisions for bullets required for training purposes. Consequently, these personnel do not engage in any mock drills or shooting practice, leaving their skills untested and potentially underdeveloped.
Contrast with Other Security Forces and Sensitive Zones
This situation stands in stark contrast to other security forces in the region, where such exercises are routine and integral to maintaining readiness. The gap becomes particularly alarming in sensitive ecological zones like the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR), which share a porous border with Nepal. These areas require heightened vigilance against poachers and other criminal activities.
Field director of PTR, PP Singh, provided detailed insights into the training regimen. He stated, "Field staff responsible for protecting forests and wildlife from poachers and other criminals receive only a week’s training in firearm operation at the time of recruitment. Firearms were allotted to the department in 2009-10, but no mock drills or shooting practice have been conducted since then." This highlights a systemic failure in ongoing skill development.
Staff Shortages Exacerbate the Problem
Compounding the training deficit is a severe staff shortage. Official records indicate an overall staff shortfall of over 56% in PTR. Among forest guards, who serve as frontline wildlife protectors, the shortage is even more critical at 73%, with only 17 personnel in position against 64 sanctioned posts. This understaffing places additional pressure on the existing workforce, making effective training even more essential.
It is important to note that armed forest personnel across the state, with the exception of the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve—which is temporarily staffed by Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel—have not undergone regular firearms training. This widespread neglect raises serious questions about operational preparedness.
Legal and Administrative Perspectives on the Issue
Shashank Singh, a senior lawyer at the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, emphasized the urgency of addressing this gap. He said, "The state government should address this gap on priority as an inefficient forest force cannot cope with challenges related to protection of forests or act as a deterrent." His statement underscores the legal and practical imperatives for improvement.
Divisional forest officer of PTR, Manish Singh, echoed these concerns, adding a nuanced perspective. He remarked, "Although we do not intend to kill wildlife criminals, the force must be prepared to face real challenges. It would help if personnel are allowed to practise shooting on a par with police." This highlights the need for balanced training that emphasizes deterrence and safety.
Government Initiatives to Bridge the Gap
In response to these challenges, the state government is reportedly set to launch a comprehensive project aimed at addressing these critical gaps. Principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), Anuradha Vemuri, outlined the plan, stating, "The plan will focus on training, modernisation of arms and ammunition, and a roster-based transfer policy for personnel involved in wildlife protection." This initiative represents a potential step forward in enhancing the capabilities and morale of forest personnel.
The absence of armed forest personnel from the shooting competition serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues facing wildlife protection in Uttar Pradesh. Without adequate training and resources, these personnel may struggle to effectively safeguard some of India's most precious natural habitats and endangered species.
