The previous principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), SS Sharma, who retired on June 31 this year from the topmost position in the Forest Department, while working as the PCCF (Wildlife) and chief wildlife warden was found to have discouraged the then additional PCCF (Wildlife) administration and intelligence, SK Dutt from acting against poaching and also harassed him mentally.
He was also found to have directed officials concerned to act sympathetically towards alleged poachers, issued no objection certificate without any survey in cases of encroachment in protected areas and other actions not expected of an officer of his rank which should have resulted in disciplinary action against him. This was stated by the additional chief secretary S Raju in his report on various allegations leveled against Sharma. The report was released to the media by People For Animals, Uttarakhand member secretary Gauri Maulekhi who procured it under the Right To Information Act. Interestingly, Raju’s report is dated June 20, 2015 but no action was taken against Sharma. However, the chief minister’s media in charge has stated that the Government will act as per the rule book.
In his report — a copy of which is with The Pioneer — Raju had stated that a preliminary inquiry of allegations leveled against Sharma had found that he had not assisted Dutt in discharging his duties, had discouraged Dutt from stopping poaching and also mentally harassed him. The report states, “Sharma also directed officials concerned to consider the cases of wildlife crime accused sympathetically.
He was the chief wildlife warden of the entire State but limited his responsibilities to wildlife protected areas but did not discharge any responsibility regarding wildlife crimes in other areas. He approved NOC without any survey in cases of encroachments in protected areas and kept the original letters issued from his office sending copies of the same, which is improper. Sharma has committed various such actions that have dented the image of the Forest Department and State Government.
Though no conclusion can be reached at present regarding Sharma’s alleged connivance with wildlife criminals, all the above stated actions do not suit an officer of his rank considering which he is guilty of violating the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 rule 3(1),” the report stated.
The report had recommended that taking disciplinary action against Sharma for violating the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 appears appropriate. It had further stated, “Regarding the directions given in favour of wildlife criminals by Sharma to officials in an attempt to influence the inquiry, a detailed investigation by the police appears appropriate for ascertaining whether or not he was involved in wildlife crimes or with wildlife criminals. Regarding the Nirmal Kunj Ashram case, re-establishing the boundary pillars of Rajaji national park and boundary demarcation after a survey appears appropriate,” stated the report.
When contacted, Chief minister Harish Rawat’s media in charge Surendra Agrawal said that the State Government will act as per the rule book. Necessary action will be taken as per the law, he added.