Srinagar: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has urged the Jammu & Kashmir Government to review the deployment of Assistant Conservators of Forests (Wildlife) and Grade-I Range Officers (Wildlife), with particular emphasis on posting professionally trained personnel in wetlands, Protected Areas and other ecologically sensitive areas.
In a representation submitted to the Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment, EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi said specialised wildlife personnel, particularly those holding Master’s degrees in Wildlife Science, diplomas in Wildlife Management and other relevant professional training, should be utilised in positions where their expertise can directly contribute to conservation and field management.
The group said the deteriorating condition of several wetlands in J&K, coupled with increasing pressures from encroachment, siltation, pollution, solid waste, hydrological changes, invasive species and unregulated human activity, requires specialised ecological understanding and continuous field monitoring.
EPG seeks review of office attachments
EPG has specifically called for a review of prolonged office attachments of ACFs (WL) and Grade-I Range Officers (WL), particularly where officers are attached against non-existent positions or positions without a continuing administrative requirement.
The group said such attachments, reportedly becoming more pronounced since January 2024, could result in the under-utilisation of professionally trained wildlife personnel.
It recommended that each existing attachment be reviewed against the actual administrative requirement and that officers without a genuine continuing office requirement be considered for appropriate field deployment.
The group clarified that its recommendation was not intended to question legitimate administrative decisions, but to ensure that departmental human resources are utilised according to their qualifications, experience and operational requirements.
Focus on wetlands and field-based conservation
EPG said wetland management should not be treated merely as a general administrative function, arguing that it requires regular field presence, ecological monitoring, biodiversity documentation and timely intervention.
It proposed greater deployment of trained personnel for wetland habitat assessment, monitoring of water levels and hydrological changes, documentation of resident and migratory birds, biodiversity inventories, identification of invasive species, pollution and encroachment monitoring, and GIS/GPS-based mapping.
The group also recommended involving trained wildlife officers in preparation and implementation of wetland management plans and coordination with research institutions and conservation organisations.
Human-wildlife conflict, anti-poaching
The representation highlighted the need for experienced field officers to address increasing human-wildlife conflict.
According to EPG, trained officers can help verify conflict incidents, identify hotspots, assess wildlife behaviour, coordinate with communities and local administration, and develop preventive and long-term mitigation measures.
It also stressed the importance of regular field presence, intelligence gathering, surveillance, patrolling and coordination with enforcement agencies for preventing poaching, illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking and other wildlife offences.
Call for comprehensive deployment review
EPG has asked the government to undertake a comprehensive review covering the present place and nature of postings, duration and justification of office attachments, whether the positions are sanctioned and functional, and the nature of duties actually being performed.
The review should also consider officers’ professional qualifications, specialisations and field experience, staffing requirements of Wildlife Divisions, Ranges and Protected Areas, availability of trained personnel in vulnerable and difficult-to-access areas, and specific manpower requirements of important wetlands.
The group has sought need-based field postings, giving priority to trained personnel in vulnerable wetlands, Protected Areas, Conservation Reserves and other ecologically sensitive landscapes.
It also recommended a periodic review mechanism to assess whether wildlife personnel are being effectively utilised according to their qualifications, experience and assigned responsibilities.
EPG calls specialised manpower an institutional asset
EPG said J&K has a valuable pool of trained and experienced wildlife personnel whose expertise in wildlife protection, habitat management, wetland conservation, biodiversity monitoring, human-wildlife conflict management, research, enforcement and community engagement represents an important institutional resource.
The group said the increasing ecological and anthropogenic pressures on wetlands and wildlife habitats make optimal utilisation of this specialised manpower particularly important.
It urged the government to take appropriate measures to ensure rational, transparent and need-based deployment of ACFs (WL), Grade-I Range Officers (WL) and other qualified wildlife and wetland personnel, with emphasis on field-based wildlife protection, wetland conservation and scientific ecosystem management.
The representation was submitted in the larger public interest, with EPG stating that its objective was to strengthen the Wildlife Department, protect J&K’s wetlands and ensure effective utilisation of available professional human resources and public funds.
Copies of the representation have also been forwarded to the Chief Secretary, Finance Department, PCCF/HoFF, PCCF/Chief Wildlife Warden, OSD to the Forest, Ecology & Environment Minister, and the private secretaries to the Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor.
