Dehradun: A decision of Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is currently a topic of discussion in the state. CM Dhami’s decision is being discussed from political to administrative departments. This decision has been taken regarding the head of Rajaji Reserve. In fact, CM Dhami has handed over the charge of Rajaji Tiger Reserve to Indian Forest Service officer Chief Forest Conservator Rahul. Rahul was removed from the post of head of Corbett Tiger Reserve about two years ago. The High Court had taken cognizance of the illegal felling of trees and construction plan by Corbett Tiger Reserve at that time. After this, this action was taken by the government. Objections were raised by the Forest Minister and the Chief Secretary on the re-appointment of Rahul.
This is the whole matter
CM Dhami had informed about his decision to appoint Chief Forest Conservator Rahul as the Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve through a handwritten file noting on August 8. On August 9, the officer working in a non-regional post in the Monitoring, Evaluation, IT and Modernization Division of the Forest Department was officially given charge of the new post. There are two tiger reserves like Corbett and Rajaji in the Shivalik Tiger Landscape of Uttarakhand. In such a situation, discussion started on the appointment of Rahul as the head of Rajaji Tiger Reserve. After the matter heated up, no statement has come from CM Dhami in this regard so far. At the same time, IFS Rahul is talking about not making any comment on his own posting.
A senior official of the state forest department says that Rahul’s name was not in the CBI FIR in the case of illegal felling of trees and construction in Corbett. The official said that he had to face departmental action, but it has been more than two years now.
Rahul was removed from the field
After being removed from Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rahul remained on non-field posting in Dehradun. The first step to get him back the charge of the tiger reserve was taken on July 18. At that time the Forest Minister revised the proposed transfer list of 12 IFOS officers, including the then Director of Rajaji Reserve, with the approval of the Chief Minister. An additional name in the revised list was Rahul’s new appointment.
However, the file was resubmitted within a week after a note was sent through the Principal Secretary, Chief Secretary and Forest Minister. In this, a demand was made to reconsider the appointment in view of the ongoing disciplinary proceedings against Rahul, CBI investigation and the related case in the Supreme Court regarding illegal felling and construction work for Pakharo Tiger Safari inside Corbett.
This recommendation was made on Rahul
The Principal Secretary, Chief Secretary and Forest Minister said to maintain status quo with IFS Rahul. The note recommended that the additional charge of Rajaji be given to a qualified officer serving in the surrounding areas. On July 24, the Forest Minister sent the revised proposal to the Chief Minister. In this, the additional charge of Rajaji was given to the Conservator of Forests (Bhagirathi Circle). CM Dhami withdrew his steps on this proposal.
Rahul’s appointment was confirmed with a handwritten note from CM Dhami. It was written that the appointment of CCF Rahul to the post of Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve was proposed and it has been approved. Issue the order accordingly. Within a day, the government issued the appointment order in public interest.
The matter came to light in December 2021
In December 2021, the state government’s forest department started work on a tiger safari in Corbett before getting approval from the Centre. The state government started construction work at a cost of at least Rs 157 crore without legal, administrative or financial approval. Plan approved
