Controversy Unfolds: Himachal's Eco-Tourism Scandal Under Scrutiny

Himachal Pradesh's Forest Department has cleared its staff in an alleged illegal money collection case linked to eco-tourism, despite police reporting threats against the complainant. The inquiry has sparked further investigation, raising questions about oversight and corruption within the forest administration.

In a contentious turn of events in Himachal Pradesh's forest administration, an internal investigation by the Forest Department has exonerated its field staff and senior officials from allegations of illegal money collection associated with eco-tourism. Meanwhile, local police have escalated the matter to the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) alongside lodging threat allegations against the complainant.

The internal report, supervised by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kotgarh, himself implicated in the complaint, asserted that funds gathered from eco-tourism activities in the Kotgarh Forest Range were inspected and declared impeccably managed, indicating no misappropriation. Over the last three fiscal years, a sum totaling Rs 11,51,627 was reportedly collated, deposited formally, and channeled to the Circle Level Eco-Tourism Management Society in Rampur.

As claims of unauthorized collections emerge, driven by resident Ranvijay Singh's complaint, questions arise regarding the legitimacy of fund collections and their intended beneficiaries. Police records from Kumarsain outline allegations of 'illegal collections under fictitious committee and society names.' The department's inquiry noted receipt book usage errors as unintentional during a registration period, but allegations against senior officials persist, revealing charges of intimidation and coercion.

The ongoing probe receives heightened scrutiny with political figures, such as CPI(M) state secretary Sanjay Chauhan, categorizing the situation as severe, stressing the need for thorough investigation into corruption and illicit exploitation of natural resources. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has mandated a fresh probe by the Additional Chief Secretary, ensuring the investigation abides by the principles of natural justice without implicating accused officers in the inquiry process.

(With inputs from agencies.)