Hyderabad, Jan 22 (PTI) The Telangana government hasdecided to form a 'State Tiger Protection Force' to save theBig Cat population in the State.
The 112-member-armed STPF will be headed by anAssistant Conservator of Forests to protect tiger populationin Amarabad and Kawal Tiger Reserves.
The State Forest Protection Committee headed byChief Secretary S K Joshi took the decision to form the STPFat its meeting here Tuesday, an official release said.
The State and Central government will share the costof the force on 40:60 basis, it said.
The Committee decided to act tough against thosefelling forest trees and committing other related crimes.
Cases under the Preventive Detention Act would beregistered against violators.
The Chief Secretary directed Forest and Electricitydepartment officials to keep a vigil against those erectingillegal power fences for animal hunting.
The Committee also decided to extend legal assistanceto forest officials to expedite cases and ensure convictions.
The government is also considering appointing a legaladvisor for each district.
The Chief Secretary also directed officials toconstitute Forest Protection teams in villages close to theforests.
Telangana Director General of Police M Mahendar Reddyand senior officials from different departments attended themeeting.
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