The Uttarakhand government has transferred 34 forest officers as an internal tussle within the state’s forest department over the alleged investigation Illegal construction and felling of trees In Corbett Tiger Reserve. As per Thursday’s order, 34 forest officers have been transferred or posted. The officials include state forest force (HOF) chief Rajiv Bhartari and chief wildlife warden JS Suhag.
This month, two forest officials – Indian Forest Officer Sanjeev Chaturvedi and Additional Principal Conservator of Forests BK Gangte – refused to lead an investigation into the illegal felling of trees in the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve Forest Division. Infighting broke out in the department after both Bharti and Suhag were appointed as investigating officers.
The order said that Bharti would switch positions with Vinod Kumar, who was the head of the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board.
Suhag, who was relieved of the additional charge of Chief Wildlife Warden, will continue to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority. Chief Patron (Ecotourism) Parag Madhukar Dhakate will assume the post.
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