The Forest Cell in Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) seems to have become a “diseased” posting for forest officials. Following a “witch-hunt” in the 18-member strong cell over charges of corruption levelled by councillors, all but two lower-level officials have either been removed, retired, repatriated or seeking an exit from the much-blighted Forest Cell.
On Tuesday, six Deputy Forest Range Officers approached their parent Forest Department for a transfer out of the BBMP. This leaves just two more DFROs in the cell, and sources said they will be requesting a transfer soon.
“In the tussle between the Forest Department and BBMP, it is the trees and citizens who suffer,” said Vinay Sreenivasa from Hasiru Usiru. With the cell being responsible for afforestation, cutting dead or weakened trees, he believes the fragile tree cover in the city will be in danger.
“There is now nobody to check the cutting of trees. BBMP has mishandled the situation by going after all forest officials,” he added.
Apart from allegations of misappropriating funds meant for afforestation schemes, the Forest Cell has been dogged by allegations of its involvement in the timber mafia – that buys felled trees at low prices.
