Serious questions have been raised over the construction of eco huts, dormitories, and fire line works in Munsyari Range under the Pithoragarh Forest Division. Allegations of financial irregularities have led to a demand for an explanation from the then Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and the current Conservator of Forests, Western Circle, Dr. Vinay Kumar Bhargav.
In 2019, the construction of 10 eco huts, a dormitory, a forest product sales center, and a growth center was carried out in Khalia Reserved Compartment No. 3. A letter from the then Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dhananjay Mohan to the Principal Secretary of Forests, dated January 17, 2025, highlighted issues reported earlier by Sanjeev Chaturvedi, Chief Conservator (Working Plan), in his letter dated December 24, 2024.
The allegations claim that permanent structures were constructed without mandatory approval from competent authorities, violating the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. It is estimated that construction worth ₹1.64 crore was carried out without proper clearance.
Based on the principle of natural justice, the Forest Department issued a show-cause notice to IFS officer Dr. Bhargav. Principal Secretary Forests, R.K. Sudhanshu, has sought explanations on several points including:
- Execution of construction works like eco huts without prior approval.
- Engaging a private agency for material supply without tendering or approval.
- Making lump-sum payments without procedural clearances.
- Signing an MoU to give 70% of tourism earnings from the Patalthaur Eco-Development Committee to a private party, without due authorization.
- Claiming expenses of ₹2 lakh for maintaining 90 km of fire lines in FY 2021–22, even though only 10 fire lines (14.6 km) were sanctioned.
The entire matter came to light during the formulation of a 10-year working plan for Pithoragarh Forest Division, during which Chief Conservator Chaturvedi flagged the irregularities. The Forest Department has given 15 days for a detailed response, warning of further action if no satisfactory reply is received.
