In 1960, there was only one Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), but now, the number has grown to four. There are additional PCCF, CCFs, etc. But the numbers of forest guards, foresters, deputy rangers are 5,351, 2,640 and 282, respectively.
This is not a balanced structure which has hit the efficiency of the department and hence, the department should go through a thorough restructuring, said Rayagada DFO Md Hanif as the chief guest on the occasion of the 10th general assembly of Non-gazetted Forest Workers’ Association.
Hanif was complemented by State president of the association Jagabandhu Patra. He said the Forest department has become a ‘Ravana’ with polio. While the heads are increasing at upper level, the number of field workers is constant for a long period crippling the department’s smooth functioning. There are too many posts and hierarchies at the upper levels leading to sheer confusions everywhere including the general public, he asserted.
The concern and target of the officers in the upper strata is only plantation without thinking on its sustainability. That is why the forest cover today has reached 29 per cent from 62 per cent during the post-independence era, said Patra.
State general secretary of the association Samir Kumar Behera said, “Apart from conservation which is on a decreasing trend, the field staff are also involved with the development programmes sponsored by JICA, CAMPA, etc. Though the workload has increased, the capacity has not been built as far as implementing staff at ground level is concerned. In the name of skill building and empowerment, brief computer training and GPS training, etc are nothing but a farce. The forest law is so weak that there is hardly any substantial seizure and punishment to the offender. If there is sincerity, right attitude and commitment at all levels, then only the forest will be protected.”
Assistant Conservator of Forests, Rayagada Jasobanta Sethi said, “It is extremely difficult to operate in an undulating and Maoist-infested terrain. Nevertheless, the field staff members are functioning in such adverse conditions, which is laudable. He emphasised on providing alternative livelihoods to the poor forest dwellers so that the pressure on forest decreases. He cited the example of Australia which has imposed Green Tax on its polluting industries and said that India should follow suit.
Rayagada and its adjacent districts like Kalahandi and Koraput have several Government and private mega industries, which can be taxed to provide alternative livelihoods to the poor, he suggested.
Association’s Rayagada unit secretary Pradyumna Kumar Behera presented demands like promotion of forest guards and foresters, posting of guards at the check gates, incentives and awards to competent field staff, capacity building of the staff at the lower hierarchy, proper compensation to farmers affected by elephant rampage, provision of elephant experts, etc and gave an ultimatum of one month for fulfillment of these demands.
DFO Hanif admitted that the demands were genuine and it was his prime duty to fulfill them over a period of time. Among others, Rayagada unit president of the association laxmi Prasad Pattanaik spoke. Around 300 members from Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangapur, Gajapati and Brahmapur attended.