Gangtok, 26 Dec [IPR]: The Forest and Environment Department, in collaboration with the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), hosted a significant handover ceremony today to distribute field operations gear, a patrolling van, and patrolling safety equipment to strengthen tiger and biodiversity conservation efforts in Sikkim. The event was held in the presence of Forest Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha.
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.
As part of the program, a patrolling van was handed over to the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary (South Range), along with high-altitude field gear and safety equipment specifically designed for forest frontline staff working in challenging terrains.
A total of 24 sets of field operations gear and 99 sets of patrolling safety gear were distributed across wildlife and territorial sectors, including Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, Khangchenzonga 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 forest staff with the tools necessary to effectively manage protected areas and mitigate conservation challenges, particularly in high-altitude ecosystems.
