Govt to get 150 e-vehiclesfor commute inside forests

Bhubaneswar: The forest department’s wildlife wing has planned to introduce e-motorcycles for patrolling and enforcement in sanctuaries and reserves to reduce pollution from vehicular emission.

The wing had proposed the govt for procurement of around 150 e-motorcycles to be deployed at Similipal Tiger Reserve, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary, Kuldhia wildlife sanctuary and Chandaka wildlife sanctuary. The govt has approved the proposal, officials said.

Wildlife officials said e-vehicles will not only check pollution and carbon footprint in serene forests but will also reduce fuel cost. However, regular diesel and petrol-run vehicles will be there for patrolling of officers and other personnel in high terrain and during inclement weather. The sanctuaries already have all-weather vehicles for patrolling during monsoon.

These are e-vehicles that will be used mostly by woman personnel. However, male personnel can also use those. These are for small shuttle and not for long-range patrolling. “Both solar and electric (wherever available) charging points will be installed. Solar panels, wherever required, will be augmented to facilitate charging. At base stations, personnel can charge with electricity,” said principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Susanta Nanda.

Wildlife officials said e-vehicles are soundless and it is better inside the forest so as not to disturb wildlife. However, if road condition is bad, such vehicles will be avoided. E-vehicles inside the sanctuaries and reserves will help ensure last mile connectivity. “If a forest guard is required to move quickly from base office to a nature camp or to a nearby anti-poaching camp, it can be used with ease and purpose will also be solved,” said a forest officer.

In May, Similipal deployed 10 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to access active fire points in inaccessible areas. Since Similipal’s topography is full of inhospitable terrains, ATV has been useful in carrying men and machines to access fire points. Forest officials said with tiger translocation project ready for implementation, the e-vehicles will add to the forest personnel’s convenience of movement inside the forests.

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