''Odour-free'' uniforms for Gujarat foresters

Ahmedabad, Feb 28 (PTI) After forty years, forestersin Gujarat are set to get a ''image makeover'' as they will beprovided with newly-designed odour-free uniforms and moreergonomically-fitting apparel kits, giving them relief fromexcessive sweat and stink.

The new attire, designed by the National Institute ofFashion Technology (NIFT), will first be introduced for theforester manning Gir national park, the last abode of AsiaticLions. The uniform has many distinctive features in starkcontrast to the old dress.

"A light khaki coloured uniform has been designed forthe foresters which is odour-free due to an anti-microbialfinish given to the garment for better comfort in summers,"said Vishal Gupta, head of NIFT, Gandhinagar.

"The outfit comes with accessories like ankle guardfor protection from snake bites, ruksack for keeping dailyrequired utilities, besides suggestions for a pair of goodtrekking shoes," he said.

"The idea behind introducing new uniforms for rangers inGIR is to give a new look to our officers posted in a specialarea of the state," Principal Secretary, Forest andEnvironment, S K Nanda told PTI.

"The uniforms are part of a special package for them. Itis expected to be introduced within a month or two," he said.

Earlier, foresters used to get uniforms as per the stategovernment resolution (GR) on dress code of the forestdepartment officials dating back to 1970, which is now likelyto be amended. (More) PTI VKB PD DK