Uttarakhand to recruit Agniveers for Tiger Protection Force at Corbett Reserve

On the occasion of International Tiger Day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday announced a significant step towards wildlife conservation by declaring the direct recruitment of Agniveers into the proposed Tiger Protection Force at Corbett Tiger Reserve.

The special unit, aimed at curbing poaching and safeguarding tiger habitats, will employ over 80 youths, providing a dual advantage of conservation and employment generation.

“This force will not only strengthen tiger protection efforts but also provide meaningful employment to Agniveers trained under the Indian Army,” CM Dhami said. “Its formation will help stop poaching and support our mission of protecting tigers and their natural habitat.”

According to the official release, the Tiger Protection Force will be equipped to handle wildlife crimes such as poaching, timber smuggling, illegal mining, and forest encroachments. Trained personnel will patrol forested areas, gather intelligence, and swiftly act against violations. The force will also manage human-wildlife conflict, particularly in regions where tigers venture into inhabited areas.

CM Dhami emphasised the need for modern surveillance systems to enhance the force’s effectiveness. “This force can be equipped with drones, thermal imaging, and GPS tracking to improve monitoring capabilities,” he noted.

Highlighting the Agniveers' unique suitability for the role, the Chief Minister said, “Agniveers have undergone rigorous military training, making them physically fit, mentally strong, and skilled in strategic operations. Their knowledge of modern weapons and communication tools will aid conservation efforts.”

He further said that recruiting local youth will bring in familiarity with geography, climate, and regional challenges, making their work more effective and culturally rooted.

Calling this initiative a national service, Dhami stated, “Wildlife conservation is a form of national service. With their spirit of duty, Agniveers will bring dedication to protecting India’s natural wealth.”

The Chief Minister also stressed that this Corbett-based model could serve as a template for tiger reserves across India, enhancing national conservation efforts if proven successful.

The announcement marks a key initiative on International Tiger Day, which has been observed globally every July 29 since 2010, following the St. Petersburg declaration. The day serves to raise awareness about the importance of tiger conservation and unites all tiger-range countries in preserving this endangered species.