In a potentially significant move, the Uttarakhand government is reconsidering a 2013 order that bars deputy rangers from being posted in territorial (reserved forest) divisions. Sources indicate that the Forest Department has already prepared a proposal to amend this policy, and a formal decision could be on the horizon.
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Currently, more than 40 territorial divisions across the state are vacant due to a severe shortage of rangers. Additionally, over 50 divisions under civil societies or forest units are also without appointed rangers. This situation has persisted even after the recent appointment of 53 deputy rangers as in-charge officers in various divisions.
The root of the problem lies in the 2013 directive, which prevents deputy rangers from taking charge of territorial divisions. Despite urgent staffing needs, the department has had to pull back from such appointments after a legal challenge by ranger cadre officers. This has significantly affected administrative efficiency in managing the state’s forests.
However, during a recent high-level meeting, the government expressed seriousness about resolving the issue. The Forest Headquarters has now submitted a proposal to revise the 2013 order, potentially permitting deputy rangers to be appointed as in-charge rangers in territorial divisions until permanent rangers are posted.
Ms. Meenakshi Joshi, who is responsible for human resources in the Forest Department, confirmed that the proposal has been sent to the state government after internal consultations. She also noted that the matter was discussed thoroughly in the departmental meeting and is now under active consideration.
The deputy rangers have also formally requested that they be allowed to head divisions as in-charge officers in light of the acute shortage of rangers. In response, the state government appears to be exploring a middle-path solution that could allow temporary postings of deputy rangers without violating the spirit of the 2013 order.
If approved, this change could offer much-needed relief to the Forest Department and improve forest management across Uttarakhand by filling long-vacant positions. A final decision is expected soon.
