The recent recruitment in the Forest Department, appointing 1822 forest guards and protectors, is set to enhance the state’s forest conservation efforts. Out of the 2646 positions for forest protectors in 2020, 1701 candidates have been appointed, covering both non-TSP and TSP areas. Additionally, 121 forest guards, including non-TSP and TSP area positions, have been selected.
This substantial increase in forest personnel addresses the department’s security challenges, ensuring improved protection for forest resources and wildlife. The appointments considered the backbone of forest security, will strengthen patrolling at key checkposts and forest areas, curbing illegal activities.
The winter season witnesses a rise in illegal logging and wildlife hunting, primarily driven by the use of wood as fuel in rural areas. The increased patrolling by forest workers, especially in wildlife areas, aims to control such activities, fostering better wildlife conservation. The new personnel will also aid in reserve management.
Jaipur district has benefited from the recruitment, now having 108 forest workers, including 12 forest guards and 96 forest protectors. This strategic deployment is expected to fortify the security of wildlife sanctuaries and forest areas in Jaipur. The Forest Department plans to mark points susceptible to illegal logging, strengthening patrolling efforts and enhancing overall forest security.
Selected candidates will undergo basic training in forest security, with three months for forest guards and six months for forest protector trainees at the Rajasthan Forest and Wildlife Training Institute. The immediate assignment of forest guards to duty, followed by training sessions, reflects the urgency of addressing security concerns.
This focus will remain on these tasks by the new employees:
• Monitoring the use of state land for banned and other purposes
• Preventing deforestation
• Protecting endangered animals, plants, and trees
• Maintaining the list of trees through tree marking
Maintaining and renovating forest boundary markers
• Responding to emergencies and participating in search and rescue campaigns
• Collecting and compiling reports
• Collecting tree seeds and planting tree saplings
