Udaipur, November 30,2024 - Udaipur Division, known for having the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan, is facing a serious staff shortage in the Forest Department. Several key positions remain vacant, and many are managed through additional charge arrangements.

In Phulwari Ki Naal Sanctuary, which covers 511 square kilometers, the post of Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) is vacant. The Kotda ranger, Surendra Singh, is currently handling the charge. The sanctuary’s Kotda, Mamer, and Panarwa ranges are all managed by second-grade rangers.

In Sajjangarh Sanctuary, spanning 5.19 square kilometers, one ranger, Ganesh Gothwal, manages the sanctuary. He has also been given charge of the vacant ACF position at the district headquarters. The tourism range post is also vacant and is managed by Gajendra Singh, the rescue team ranger.

In Jaisamand Sanctuary, which covers 52 square kilometers, the second-grade ranger position is vacant. This leaves one first-grade ranger responsible for both posts.

Meanwhile, the Sitamata, Bassi, and Kumbhalgarh ranges have first-grade ranger positions, all of which are currently filled.

Retired DFO Fateh Singh Rathore highlighted that important ranges should have first-grade rangers, who are science graduates with two years of training. In comparison, second-grade rangers are promoted foresters with six months of training.

The shortage of trained personnel is affecting the management of sanctuaries and forest protection across Udaipur Division.

Source: Media Reports