Forest staff gain firepower

42 frontline staff undergo intensive firearms training to curb poaching

Forest staff practice rifle firing at Doddabyadarahalli Firing Range in Mandya.

For the first time in Karnataka, frontline Forest personnel in Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar have undergone intensive firearms training aimed at strengthening forest protection and curbing poaching.

With large tracts of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts under forest cover, the Forest Department, in coordination with Mysuru District Police, trained staff deployed in vulnerable forest zones and fringe villages in the use and handling of rifles, pistols and other firearms. A total of 42 Deputy Range Forest Officers and patrol guards participated in a four-day training programme held from May 27.

The course included weapon handling, maintenance and live-firing exercises. Personnel from anti-poaching camps of Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves, patrolling units, the Leopard Task Force and Elephant Task Force were part of the batch.

The training was conducted at the Doddabyadarahalli Firing Range in Mandya, where over 500 rounds were fired during practical sessions. The theoretical sessions, along with armoury visits and introductory classes on weapons, were held at the Mysuru District Armed Reserve and City Armed Reserve units.

Usage and upkeep

Master trainers conducted sessions on the operation and upkeep of 12-bore pump-action guns, .315 rifles, 9 mm pistols and 7.65 mm revolvers. Officials said, the programme focused on firearm safety, maintenance, marksmanship and jungle combat readiness.

Participants were trained in loading, unloading, dismantling and reassembling weapons, along with drills on tactical movement, night patrolling and guard duties. The programme also included modules on coordinated operations, teamwork and shooting techniques, with special emphasis on accuracy in forest terrain.

In addition, personnel were sensitised on the legal and ethical aspects of firearm use, including the guidelines governing the use of force and mandatory reporting procedures after any discharge of weapons.

Officials said, the initiative is significant in the context of rising human-wildlife conflict incidents, particularly elephant and leopard encounters in forest-edge villages of Mysuru & Chamarajanagar. The training was jointly organised by Vigilance Wing of Forest Department, Mysuru Mobile Forest Squad and Mysuru Division officials, in coordination with Mysuru District Police.

The valedictory ceremony was attended by Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Circle S.S. Ravishankar, Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, Deputy Conservator of Forests K. Paramesh, Assistant Conservator of Forests G. Rudresh and Range Forest Officers K. Surendra and Sachin.