Nurpur Forest Division steps up enforcement amid staff crunch
The Nurpur Forest Division in Himachal Pradesh has ramped up its enforcement activities against forest crimes, even as it grapples with a severe shortage of frontline personnel. With 32 forest guard and 13 deputy forest ranger positions lying vacant for an extended period, the division has turned to intensified surveillance and closer coordination with the police to curb illegal activities such as tree felling, theft of forest wealth, and smuggling of forest produce across the interstate border.
Vacancies hinder effective patrolling
According to information from the Forest Department, the Nurpur Forest Division has 45 frontline posts – 32 forest guards and 13 deputy forest rangers – that have remained unfilled for a long time. These positions are critical for preventing forest fires, checking illegal tree felling, and stopping the smuggling of forest produce. Despite these constraints, the division has managed to intensify patrolling and surveillance over the past three months to target unauthorized transportation and smuggling of forest produce out of the state.
Seizures and legal action
Sandeep Kohli, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Nurpur, acknowledged the shortage of field personnel but highlighted the department's achievements. Speaking to The Tribune, he said that despite the staff constraints, the department had seized more than a dozen vehicles involved in the illegal transportation and smuggling of forest produce without valid documents during the past three months. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the offenders under Section 52A of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, before the Authorised Officer-cum-DFO, Nurpur.
Vulnerable interstate border district
Kohli noted that being an interstate border district, the Nurpur Forest Division remains vulnerable to the movement of illegally transported forest produce from adjoining areas. However, he claimed that the Forest Department, with its existing constraints of field staff vacancies, is vigilant in vulnerable areas in coordination with police and local administration. He added that local communities also have to play a significant role in curbing these illegal activities of thefts and smuggling of forest wealth.
Appeal for public cooperation
The DFO appealed to the public to cooperate with the department and report any information related to illegal tree felling or the smuggling of forest produce in their area. He emphasized that effective conservation and protection of forest resources can only be ensured with the help of the community. The department continues to rely on intensified surveillance and collaborative efforts to overcome the staffing shortage and protect the region's forest wealth.
