Baripada, June 9: Authorities of the Similipal Tiger Reserve have initiated a weapon-training programme for the sanctuary's frontline staff members, including the personnel deployed in the core area.

Such a step has been taken for the first time in the sanctuary with the help of police. Around 60 forest guards are being trained on the use of double barrel guns, revolvers and .315 rifles, said a tiger reserve official.

Deputy director of the sanctuary Ajit Satpathy said: "The state police are conducting the training and weapon drills, while we are providing the logistic support."

"This is a capacity and skill development measure for the forest guards. Besides firing, they are being trained on how to maintain the weapons as well," Satpathy said.

Earlier, the Similipal forest guards had been provided with arms. However, these were withdrawn in 2009 fearing that the Maoist militants, who had been frequenting the forest, could rob the guards of the arms. The forest personnel got it back in 2012 to combat the poachers and timber mafia.

The forest guards are deployed in the core region, which is spread over about 848sqkm, for armed patrolling. But, they were not given any formal arms training.

"Though we have been carrying arms for almost three years, we are not trained in weapon skills. This training gives us confidence in handling weapons and firing," said forest official Satya Jena.

The forest ranges, which are being provided with firearms, are Pithabata, Nawna (north and south), Chahala, Jenabil, Upper Barhakamdra and Joshipur National Park.

The forest personnel, who are receiving arms training, will be deployed at the 63 anti-poaching camps in the core area, said a sanctuary official.