In a potentially game-changing development, the Uttarakhand Forest Department is considering an amendment to the 2013 policy that currently bars deputy rangers from being posted in territorial (reserved forest) divisions. According to sources, a proposal to revise this restriction has already been drafted, and a final decision could be announced soon.
At present, over 40 territorial divisions across the state remain vacant due to a severe shortage of rangers. Additionally, more than 50 forest units and civil society divisions are without designated rangers, despite the recent appointment of 53 deputy rangers as in-charge officers.
The staffing crisis stems from the 2013 directive, which prohibits the posting of deputy rangers in territorial divisions. Previous attempts to bridge the gap by assigning them in-charge roles were halted following legal objections from the ranger cadre, leading to further administrative challenges in managing forest operations.
However, in a recent high-level meeting, the state government acknowledged the gravity of the situation and demonstrated intent to address it. A proposal has now been submitted by the Forest Headquarters seeking to amend the 2013 order, allowing deputy rangers to serve as in-charge officers in territorial divisions until permanent appointments are made.
Ms. Meenakshi Joshi, the officer in charge of human resources at the Forest Department, confirmed that the proposal has been sent to the state government following internal discussions. She added that the issue was thoroughly deliberated during a departmental meeting and is now under active consideration.
Deputy rangers have also formally appealed to the government, requesting that they be allowed to head divisions temporarily in light of the ongoing ranger shortage. The government is reportedly exploring a balanced approach that would enable interim postings without contravening the intent of the original 2013 order.
If approved, the policy revision could provide critical administrative relief and significantly improve forest governance across Uttarakhand by filling long-standing vacancies. A final decision is expected in the coming days.
