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Strengthening Wildlife Protection: Investigating Officers Receive Advanced Training concludes held at Manas Tiger Reserve

By AT Kokrajhar Bureau |

KOKRAJHAR, FEB 10: In a significant step toward enhancing wildlife protection, a five-day refresher training program for 27 investigating officers from six forest divisions concluded on Sunday at the Bansbari Forest Inspection Bungalow, Manas National Park. This initiative aims to bolster the officers' skills in wildlife offense investigations, evidence collection, and the implementation of the latest amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, alongside recently revised criminal laws.

The training was organized by the Field Directorate of Manas Tiger Reserve, in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The program focused on addressing knowledge gaps and updating officers on key legal changes, including sections from the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 (BSA), and the amended provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The roots of this training program trace back to April 2011 when WTI first introduced specialized law enforcement training for Manas Tiger Reserve, in partnership with the Assam Forest Department. Over the years, the initiative has expanded, with a total of 754 officers from frontline forest staff having participated in various training sessions by December 2024, including special 10-day programs held in Kaziranga National Park and Orang National Park.

Dr. C. Ramesh, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Manas Tiger Reserve, emphasized the importance of these continuous training efforts. "This program is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the skills and knowledge of our investigating officers, particularly with respect to the latest amendments in both the Wildlife Protection Act and criminal laws. The cooperation with WTI and IFAW has been instrumental in achieving several landmark judgments from the courts," he stated.

Bhupendra Nath Talukdar, retired Deputy Conservator of Forests from the Assam Forest Department and mentor for the training, noted that many officers face challenges due to the recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act and the new criminal laws. "The five-day training, which includes practical sessions, addresses these challenges and helps officers effectively apply the latest legal frameworks in their investigations," Talukdar explained.

Looking ahead, the organizers plan to extend these training efforts to more frontline forest staff across the state, continuing their mission to strengthen wildlife protection and law enforcement in Assam.

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