Over 18,400 cases of illegal tree-cutting in Gujarat’s forests between 2016-21: CAG

Against the proposed 48 check posts in these six sanctuaries, only 18 were established and of these, only 12 were found operational, the report stated. Similar gaps were noticed in human resources protecting the sloth bear sanctuaries.

In the six sanctuaries, the vacancies in frontline cadre – beat guard and forester – ranged between 22 to 42 per cent. The highest vacancy of frontline staff was in Shoolpaneshwar where only 57 people were appointed against a sanctioned strength of 98 people. Similarly, the vacancy in Ratanmahal stood at a high 39 per cent.

“The vacancy in frontline staff affected the protection function which was evident from illegal cutting of trees, cultivation in the Sanctuary area and non-operational check posts,” the CAG stated, adding that instances of illegal felling of trees were noticed in Jambughoda and Purna sanctuaries.

“Audit observed stumps of cut trees, are marks on tree trunk and stumps burnt to hide illicit cutting of trees inside Jambughoda Sanctuary,” the CAG further stated. The auditor also noted a ‘wide disparity’ in the availability of arms with forest officials in these sanctuaries. It stated that the per head availability of arms ranged between 40-77 per cent.

During 2016-21, there were 110 assaults on forest officials. “Equipping eligible forest personnel with adequate and operational firearms would act as a deterrent against such incidents of assaults and illegal cutting of trees, poaching, etc,” it added.

The Auditor also noticed gaps in the training of the forest officials. “The forest personnel were trained on 0.22 rifle (at Gujarat Police Academy at Karai, Gandhinagar), though the rifles being used by them were 0.12 bore rifles,” it added.

The CAG also highlighted the non-functional wireless communication systems with forest personnel. It found that 41 per cent of walkie-talkies in Balaram Ambaji sanctuary were non-functional. “Vehicles used by forest personnel in Jambughoda and Ratanmahal sanctuaries did not have facility of wireless communication… Lack of seamless communication between officials and personnel posted in frontline duty for reporting any incident or call back-up force was detrimental for preservation and Conservation activities,” the report stated.