The Assam state Forest Department will provide sophisticated weapons to the forest guards to protect wildlife in the state.
During a state level meeting of 58th Wildlife Week held in Guwahati, the Assam Forest and Environment Minister Rockybul Hussain said for protecting wildlife and against the poachers, the frontline staff will be provided sophisticated arms including AK-47 assult rifle, machine gun, SLR and revolver.
“The state government already allotted the funding for procuring arms,” the minister said.
According to Minister Hussain, the state has an amendment called the central Wildlife protection act, 1972 and gave more powers to the frontline staff and other forest officials for protecting animals.
The minister also said the state forest department has taken up fewer steps for protecting animals and especially for one horned rhinos.
“In view of India Rhino Vision-2020 (IRV-2020), we have targeted to meet its goal of 3000 rhinos in the state,” Hussain said.
The recent census report revealed that 2505 rhinos roamed Assam.
Meanwhile, 51 frontline members are assigned to protect wildlife.
