NGT seeks response from Uttarakhand's forest chief on deputing forest staff for census duty

The National Green Tribunal has sought a response from Uttarakhand's head of forest force over the deputation of forest officials for census duty, citing a Supreme Court directive.

Flagging the deputation of forest officials for census duty, the National Green Tribunal has sought response from Uttarakhand's head of forest force as it cited Supreme Court's direction not to requisition such staff for election or any other duty.

The green body was hearing a matter regarding environmental damage caused by the burning of dry forest leaves in the Badkot Forest Range on the Rishikesh-Dehradun road.

In an order dated May 13, a bench of judicial member Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert members A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, noted that according to the amicus curiae, Uttarkahand's principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) or head of forest force (HoFF) had directed on March 25 that forest officials be deputed for census duty.

The bench said -- according to the amicus, advocate Gaurav Bansal -- that the Supreme Court in May 2024 directed all states that forest staff and vehicles will not be requisitioned for elections or any other purposes, such as the Char Dham Yatra.

It noted the submission that forest officials cannot be deputed for census duty, particularly in view of apprehension of forest fires during the ongoing summer season.

''Respondent 3, PCCF (HoFF), Dehradun, is directed to file his response with respect to orders dated March 25 for deputing forest officials for census duty in the context of orders passed by the Supreme Court,'' the tribunal said.

The matter has been posted for further proceedings on May 26.