Tiger protection hit as staff engaged in recruitment process

TNN | Aug 30, 2011, 03.29AM IST

NAGPUR: Tiger and forest protection in Nagpur division is likely to take a beating with field staff from tiger-bearing areas being pushed for recruitment work.

A major drive to recruit 1,200 forest guards in 11 territorial circles in the state is under way. Out of this, 73 posts will be filled in the Nagpur division. A target of September 20 has been set to complete entire recruitment exercise.

To accomplish the Herculean task, over 100 field staffers including range forest officers (RFOs), forest guards and foresters have been summoned to the headquarters in city to sort out forms, verification and other works, said sources.

Staff from sensitive Bhiwapur, Umred, Kondhali, Hingna, Kalmeshwar, Kuhi, Deolapar and Paoni ranges has been pressed into service in city for recruitment work. All the above areas are not only sensitive but have identified population of tigers, with 15 tigers in the city division.

"If so many staffers are engaged in clerical work, what about tiger and forest protection," asked a section of wildlife conservationists.

On the contrary, deputy conservator of forests, PK Mahajan said employees are not being engaged in recruitment work at the cost of protection.

"Only educated staffers in other ranges are engaged in recruitment work. Till now over 12,000 forms have been received and sorting and verifying them is a tough task," said Mahajan. "It's true that team of RFOs have been made for speedy procedures," he added.