Guwahati Forest Guards Get Commando Training to Counter Poachers

Guwahati, Jun 25 : The Assam Forest Department imparted a rigorous three-month-long training in physical fitness to its newly recruited forest guards at Assam Forest School in Guwahati.

The National Security Guard (NSG) trained the forest guards in martial arts and the use of arms.

About 250 recruits are undergoing the rigorous training to nab poachers.

"In the coming days when these recruits will go in battle field, they can handle very well when confronted with the poachers, and the anti-elements. This is what I expect this from them and definitely they can stop poachers," said Girish Dutta, commando trainer.

Besides physical activities, the guards were also taught theoretical and field surveys of the forest areas of Assam.

"We will give theoretical and physical training, and also train them in games and sports. After this we will show them all forests of Assam from one corner of Assam to another corner," said Ritesh Bhatacharjee, the director of Assam Forest School.

Bhatacharjee added that after the short-term programme, recruits would be given a further year-long training.

The Forest Department has recruited new forest guards, which include women, for the first time since 1992.