Baripada: The Odisha government has created one dedicated company of Armed Police Constabulary to strengthen the protection measures in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district.
The government’s decision comes in the wake of increased poaching activities and attacks on Forest Department personnel in the reserve forest during the last few months.
In a letter to the concerned authorities, Satyabrata Sahi, Additional Chief Sectretary, Government of Odisha, wrote, “I am directed to convey the sanction of the Governor for creation of a dedicated one company of Armed Police Reserve (APR) Force with creation of 131 posts of different categories in Mayurbhanj district for constitution of a Joint Task Force already notified vide FE && CC Department correspondent in order to strengthen the protection measures in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Mayurbhanj.”
As per the letter, the Armed Police Reserve (APR) Force will comprise one Assistant Commandant, one Inspector (Armed), three Assistant Sub-Inspectors (Armed), 30 Havildars, three Driver Havildars, 87 Sepoys and three Drivers.
Newly created posts will be filled up as per the provisions in the Orissa Reservation of Vacancies (ORV) Act. All expenses for this dedicated force will be borne by the Forest and Environment Department, the letter read.
