Dibrugarh: Thirty newly trained forest guards, including 21 women, are set to join the frontline of Assam’s forest and wildlife protection efforts after undergoing a four-month training programme at the Assam Forest Guards’ School in Makum, Tinsukia.The trainees, belonging to the 68th batch, were trained in conventional forestry practices as well as modern technologies such as camera trapping, GPS, GIS-based forest mapping and drone operations. Their training concluded with a valedictory ceremony at the school on Friday.Dimpi Bora, conservator of forest, research and education circle, Assam, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Senior forest officials and range forest officers were also present.The training combined classroom lessons with extensive field exercises. The trainees were taught silviculture, forest law, wildlife management, forest protection, survey, forest management, forest utilisation, botany, human resource management, accounts and office procedures.Specialised sessions were also held on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, human-animal conflict, snake rescue, wildlife law and orchids. The trainees underwent arms and weapon handling training at the 2nd Assam Forest Protection Force Battalion at Seconi, Jakhalabandha.The batch undertook study tours to Dehing Patkai, Dibru-Saikhowa, Kaziranga, Nameri and Orang national parks to gain practical exposure to forest and wildlife management. Visits were also made to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation at Kaziranga, a botanical garden at Roing and the Orchid Park at Tippi in Arunachal Pradesh.The trainees also visited plywood industries, bamboo treatment plants, timber treatment and seasoning units, nurseries, plantations and arboretums.All 30 trainees cleared the examination, with Urmila Buragohain emerging as the best overall performer. The department said the programme was aimed at preparing efficient personnel to protect Assam’s forests, wildlife and biodiversity.
