NEW DELHI: The forest department won’t have a single wildlife inspector by the end of this month. While the lone officer is set to retire this month, the department is yet to get an approval for hiring a retired wildlife inspector on a contract basis.
After the retirement of this officer, all seven posts of wildlife inspectors, who are mainly tasked with preventing smuggling and carrying out rescue operations, will remain vacant. Of the total posts, two are under promotion quota and appointments can happen on only five posts. An official said five posts have been lying vacant for over six years.
A senior forest department official said, “Wildlife inspectors collect intelligence, conduct surveillance, raids, seizures, arrest those involved in smuggling artefacts and prosecute offenders by filing complaints in court. These officers have to make cases watertight by producing witnesses and other evidence and attend regular court hearings. Besides, they have to attend to complaints of wildlife sightings, conduct rescue operations and release of animals. As the department is currently understaffed, we take the help of NGOs for rescue and release of wildlife.”
Data shows that 17 cases were registered under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in 2019. However, less than 10 cases were lodged this year. “The second wildlife inspector retired on September 30. We are operating with just one, who is also about to retire. We are awaiting the government’s approval for hiring a retired officer on contract based on their last payroll, excluding pension,” said the official.
A status report filed by the forest department in National Green Tribunal in November this year mentioned that a written examination was conducted in November 2019 for appointment of wildlife inspectors on three posts. In all, 51 candidates cleared the exam for two vacant posts. They have to appear for the second round of the exam. “The process of permanent appointments will take a few months. But even after joining, they will have to undergo 18 months of training as the post has statutory power,” the official said.
The report added that one assistant conservator of forests was appointed through deputation, while applications had been sought for three more posts. “The final result of the written exam and physical test is in process for four posts of forest ranger. However, posts of six deputy rangers and five forest guards under promotional quota have been filled,” it said.
Other posts have also been lying vacant in the department for years. While earlier there were 108 posts, NGT created 290 new ones last year. Of these, 66 foresters, one veterinarian, two compounders and one legal advisor have to be recruited for the first time for which rules are still being framed.