GANGTOK,: State Forest and Environment department, in collaboration with Global Tiger Forum (GTF), hosted an event Thursday here to distribute field operations gears and patrolling safety equipment. A patrolling van was also flagged off to strengthen tiger and biodiversity conservation efforts in Sikkim.
The flagging off of the patrolling van and distribution of gears was done by Forest minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha along with PCCF-cum-secretary Pradeep Kumar, CCF (HQ/ Planning) Karma Legshey, CCF-cum-chief wildlife warden D. Manjunathan and officials of the Forest department and representatives of Global Tiger Forum in the Forest Secretariat premises here in Deorali.
This initiative is part of the project titled ‘Investigating and Addressing Tiger Conservation in Sikkim – The Eastern Himalayas,’ supported by IUCN and KFW, and aims to enhance frontline operations and protected area management in the region.
The patrolling van was handed over to the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary (South Range), along with high-altitude field gear and safety equipment specifically designed for the Forest frontline staff working in challenging terrains.
A total of 24 sets of field operations gear and 99 sets of patrolling safety gears were distributed across wildlife and territorial sectors including Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, Khangchendzonga National Park, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Kyongnosla Territorial Range, Barapathing Range and North Territorial Ranges. These areas have been instrumental in tiger conservation efforts, including recent camera trap studies.
This initiative underscores the commitment to equipping the Forest staff with the tools necessary to effectively manage protected areas and mitigate conservation challenges, particularly in high-altitude ecosystems.
Addressing the media, minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha highlighted the critical role of these resources in addressing conservation challenges and expressed his gratitude towards GTF, IUCN and KFW for their support in the conservation of tigers in the State.
He maintained that under the leadership of Chief Minister PS Golay, the State government the Forest department carried out an investigation on the availability of tigers in the State and set up camera traps along the identified route.
“The availability of tigers in our forests reflects the exceptional management of Sikkim’s forests. We remain committed to creating a sustainable ecosystem that supports endangered species and biodiversity,” the minister stated.
DFO Wildlife (Gangtok and Pakyong districts) Sonam Norden Bhutia expressed gratitude for the support received and emphasised the significance of the new resources in tackling human-wildlife conflicts, anti-poaching activities and wildlife monitoring in remote terrains.
“The van facilitated by GTF will be very essential in mobilizing staffs to far flung areas in Pangolakha South Range to upkeep the area. We are certain that with the vehicle along with the necessary gears, we can manage the field effectively,” the DFO added.
Moumita Chakraborty, GTF consultant for the Sikkim Landscape, expressed her gratitude to the department for the opportunity to work on the high-altitude tiger project in Sikkim. She underscored the importance of the newly provided gear and vehicles in supporting conservation work in challenging environments.