Wildlife activists here opposed the recent posting of a controversial official at the Rajaji National Park as deputy director and also decided to complain with the State Forest Department, administration and Election Commission.
Alleging irregularities in the transfer of Kishan Chand, the activists also claimed that Kishan was facing vigilance inquiry for his past misconducts. They said that his wife was expected to contest the Panchayat elections from the Haridwar area.
They further alleged that he was transferred to this important post due to political considerations inspite of a Government order issued in 2000 against Chand’s posting in any sensitive area.
Wildlife activists including former honorary warden of Nainital, Dinesh Pandey and PFA Uttarakhand member secretary Gauri Maulekhi pointed out that during Chand’s posting as the Rajaji Deputy Director from 1990 to 1993 and as Haridwar sub divisional officer from 1995 to 1997 he was accused of major irregularities on which vigilance inquiry and departmental inquiry were still pending.
The body parts of wild animals including a leopard pelt were found displayed as trophies in the drawing room of his official residence in the past and he is accused of involvement in illegal tree felling.
On the recommendation of then State Forest Minister and then Chief Secretary, a Government order in 2000, had directed that Chand should not be posted in a sensitive area and if posted in Haridwar or any nearby area, he should be deployed in a remote area which is not sensitive.
Activists alleged that the vigilance inquiry has been delayed due to political pressure even though Chand was suspended in the past for alleged irregularities.
It is alleged that the Provincial Forest Service officer was once again posted as the Rajaji deputy director due to political factors including the fact that his wife is said to have influence over residents of villages along the southern boundary of Rajaji and is herself a candidate in the Panchayat elections.
The activists said that Chand’s appointment to Rajaji should be revoked. They planned to approach the acting principal chief conservator of forests SS Sharma, the Election Commission and State administration on this issue.
