Only 2 wildlife inspectors keep a watch on 7,777-hectare green cover

The Delhi government's Forest and Wildlife department has only two wildlife inspectors to keep a watch on the city's green cover, spread over 7,777 hectares of land. This includes the wildlife, and the inspectors have to keep a check on poaching and illegal sale of birds and animals in different pockets.

The sanctioned strength stands at seven. It has been one and a half years since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered to fill up these posts, which are still lying vacant.

"We had sent a request to the government to increase the sanctioned strength to at least 15 inspectors last year, to which the authorities had agreed. But even the present posts are lying vacant. Of the two officers, one is mostly engaged with court summons. There is nobody to follow up on complaints or for even regular checks," a senior official said.

Also, while the two inspectors have been serving for over a decade, they have not been promoted since.

"These posts are crucial to be filled. When there are no officials on ground, one cannot expect to have a robust information network to get updates from every green pocket. We are missing out on crucial information. Also, when the staffers are not promoted for years, there is little motivation to run around," the official said, requesting anonymity.

There is no provision for promotion for these posts, he said

Also, at present, there is only one old vehicle to go around for rescue operations. The department does not even have its own rescue centre. For many years now, most rescue operations are being conducted by NGOs.

Responding to a query, a senior Delhi government official said: "The process to fill these posts has been in the works for long. We hope to fill them soon."

Delhi has a total ridge area of 7,777 hectares distributed across the Central Ridge, Southern Ridge, Northern Ridge, and Southern-Central Ridge. This includes the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary and the Aravalli Biodiversity Park.

In its December, 2015, order, the NGT had asked the department to increase the sanctioned strength and file a compliance report within three months. According to environment activists, with no people to man these posts, the dangers of illegal tree-felling, encroachment, and poaching increase.

...& ANALYSIS

• With little manpower and almost no equipment, the forest department, which has the responsibility of protecting Delhi's green cover, has turned rather defunct. It is time to strengthen the hand of those who protect our natural heritage.