Forest minister Mohammed Akbar on the third day of winter session of Chhattisgarh assembly declared suspension of two officials-- Assistant Directors of core and buffer area Sanjay Luthar and Manas Rai of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve-- with immediate effect on Wednesday.
BJP MLA Saurabh Singh earlier raised the issue of poaching of wild animals, mainly leopard and tiger including illegal felling of trees in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve where there is a ban on felling. He had sought details of cases and action taken on those responsible for it.
Minister in his reply stated one instance of leopard being killed at Kumbhipani and two cases of illegal felling and one case of illegal transportation have come to the notice, after which offence has been registered against the accused.
JCC(J) MLA Dharamjeet Singh said CCF, Deputy Director and Forest Ranger reside in Bilaspur while slowly all the local villagers appointed as forest and beat guards have been terminated by appointing urban youths having no knowledge of geographical area.
He also alleged of tenders being floated for construction work using machines that are not allowed in forest area. He also pointed out video clip of trap camera where two sambhars were being killed. He along with JCC (J) MLA Ajit Jogi suggested for deploying tribal residents as they will get employment and will take care of forest and wild animals in better way.