A forest guard in Yamunanagar district has been suspended for negligence in duty, following an inquiry that revealed his failure to prevent illegal tree felling and other unauthorized activities in the forest area under his charge.
Details of the Suspension
The suspension order was issued by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Yamunanagar on Wednesday, citing dereliction of duty. The guard, identified as Ramesh Kumar, was posted at the Kalesar forest range. According to the DFO, Kumar had been repeatedly warned about his lax attitude but failed to improve his performance.
Inquiry Findings
An internal inquiry found that Kumar had not been conducting regular patrols in his beat area, leading to unchecked illegal activities. The inquiry also revealed that he had failed to report instances of tree cutting and encroachment on forest land. The DFO stated that such negligence cannot be tolerated and strict action is necessary to deter others.
Reactions and Next Steps
Environmental activists have welcomed the suspension, calling it a step in the right direction. They urged the forest department to conduct surprise inspections and hold other erring officials accountable. The department has initiated a detailed investigation to assess the extent of damage caused by Kumar's negligence. Further disciplinary action may follow based on the investigation's outcome.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting forests in Haryana, where illegal logging and encroachment remain persistent issues. The forest department has reiterated its commitment to enforcing laws and protecting green cover.
