UP books three officers for sand mining ops in reserved forests

NEW DELHI: THE THREE FOREST OFFICIALS WENT AHEAD WITH THE TENDERS WITHOUT EVEN CONSULTING THE FOREST DEPARTMENT

The Uttar Pradesh government has lodged a police complaint against three top forest officials for calling tenders for mining sand in reserved forests, which can’t be done without the Centre’s permission, Hindustan Times learnt on Thursday.

The three forest corporation officials went ahead with the move without even consulting the forest department, which guards these green stretches on behalf of the Centre.

“The Uttar Pradesh van nigam (forest corporation) without taking the approval of the state and the central government and in violation of norms sought e-tenders for sand mining in the name of eco-restoration of forests along the rivers,” says the FIR lodged by state’s special secretary (forest) Om Prakash.

HT has a copy of the complaint that names corporation director SK Sharma, senior general manager Manoj Sinha and general manager JP Sinha.

They have been accused of criminal conspiracy, cheating and causing loss to the government.

Non-forest activity is not allowed in forest areas without the Centre’s approval. Governments in several states allow mining in and around rivers and water bodies in forests and many times it is done without the approval of the Centre on the excuse of eco-restoration work.

Eco-restoration is a provision meant to keep reserved areas in good health by clearing debris or any other object that affects local ecology.

UP’s principal conservator of forest Rupak De refused comment, saying FIR was lodged after an inquiry.

“Everything has been explained in the FIR,” he said.

“One has to understand the importance of sand for green fauna. Sand provides biotic relief to trees and bushes and there is a natural process of removal of excess sand. Removing sand by forest department does more harm than good,” said Fayaz Khudsar, a senior biologist with the Delhi University.