Tamil Nadu government’s environment, climate change and forest department has added 285 vehicles to its fleet. They include 200 electric two-wheelers, 50 SUVs and 35 specially designed rescue and rehabilitation vehicles. These vehicles were flagged off by Chief minister M K Stalin from the secretariat on Tuesday.
The specially designed 35 vehicles were procured at a cost of 5 crore. These vehicles can be used to undertake rescue and rehabilitation activities in wildlife areas. They will be deployed in 35 districts.
“These vehicles have been modified to carry frontline staff to conflict areas and also locations of forest fires. They can carry trap cages for leopards ,tigers and other small animals, trapping nets and firefighting equipment ,”stated Additional chief secretary, environment department, Supriya Sahu.
“The vehicles are equipped with search lights to enable animal rescue operations during night time . They are fitted with GPS and public address systems,” he added.
The department has procured 200 electric two-wheelers at a cost of 2.4 crore. These e-bikes would be given to the frontline staff to visit and patrol remote interior areas.
The new vehicles would also help in better project management.
