Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Forest Department has launched an investigation into the renovation of a bungalow – in which reinforced cement concrete was used – in the Dhikala area of ​​the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), which makes part of the most visited areas of the reserve.
The bungalow belongs to the forestry department. Its renovation – allegedly involving permanent building materials – was carried out recently. However, carrying out permanent construction works of any kind is prohibited in tiger reserves, according to the standards.
Upon learning of the alleged violation, Rajeev Bhartari, chief of the forestry force, ordered Vijay Kumar, additional chief conservator of forests (APPCF), to set up an investigation into the matter. Subsequently, a letter in this regard was sent to the director of CTR Rahul by Kumar. A copy of the letter duly signed by Kumar is available from TOI.
The letter, which poses nine crucial questions, calls on CTR authorities to respond to the investigation into the alleged permanent construction work and to ask whether the necessary permits have been obtained from the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Indian government. before the renovation.
The director of the CTR was also asked to submit a report on the case to the forestry department by June 14. When contacted, Rahul told TOI: “The case is being examined by senior forestry department officials.