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Manual as per Section 4(1) (b)
of the Right to Information Act 2005 particulars for the
Karnataka Forest Department.
1. The particulars of its organizations, functions and duties:-
a. Name of the Organisation:- Karnataka Forest Department.
Introduction:-
The Karnataka Forest Department has a long and cherished history for
pragmatic and conservation oriented management of Forests. The Forest
Department has got onerous responsibilities of managing and protecting the
Forest Land spread over 38284 Sq. Kms. The Forests in Western Ghats are
very valuable and are estimated to hold the growing stock of 272.411 million
cubic meters the value of which may be in excess of Rs.13.00 lakh million.
Though the Forest Area is around 20% of the Geographical area of the State,
over the years the forestry activities have spread over the entire Geographical
area by way of Farm Forestry, Urban Forestry, Strip plantations etc. The Forest
officials have to work as Scientists, Resource Managers, Policemen, Extension
workers etc. Apart from protection and Management of Forests, Afforestation
activities are undertaken over an area of around 30,000 ha. annually creating
employment to the tune of 25 to 27 million man-days per year for unskilled
and semi-skilled poor people mainly living in the villages.
b. Functions and responsibilities of the Karnataka Forest
Department:-
i) To protect the existing forests (Flora & Fauna) including protectionagainst Smuggling, Poaching, Fire Accidents and also other causes.
ii) To increase the forest area by planting in C & D class of lands,community lands and other Government waste lands.
iii) To increase the productivity of the degraded forests.iv) To harvest the forest produce systematically on the principles of
sustained yield in perpetuity in order to cater the needs of the people.
v) Protection and management of forests as well as raising of plantationsthrough joint forest planning by involving local communities through
village forest committees and bio-diversity conservation and its
management especially in degraded forest area.
vi) Wild life preservation and its management.vii) Maintenance of ecological balance.viii) To provide employment to the unemployed rural people by engaging
them in the forestry works.
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c. The Duties of Karnataka Forest Department:-
i) Regulating the exploitation of Forests for removal of timber, firewood,and other minor forest produce as laid down in the principles of the
working plans.
ii) Regulating the movements of forest produce, control of sawingcontrivancs, wood-distillations.
iii) Regulating tree felling in private lands.iv) Control of diversion of Forest Lands for non-forestry purposes.v) The above regulatory functions and responsibilities are governed by
the following statutes and manuals.
a) Karnataka Forest Act 1963.b) Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976 and Rules, 1977.c) Wildlife (Protection) of Act, 1972 and Rules, 1973.d) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Rules, 2003.e) Karnataka Forest rule, 1969.f) Karnataka Forest code.g) Karnataka Forest Account Code.h) Karnataka Forest Manual.i) Karnataka Land Grant Rules.j) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Rules, 1986.
2. The powers and duties of officers and employees ofKarnataka Forest Department:-
a. Powers and duties of Principal Chief Conservators of Forests(a) Principal Chief Conservator of Forests:
i) The PCCF is the administrative and technical head of the general wing of
Forest Department. He is the advisor to the Govt. in general forest
policy matters.
ii) The PCCF will communicate with the Chief Secretary or with the
Principal Secretary (FEE) to the Govt. whenever he considers it
necessary to do so. He will address Govt. officially on questions
affecting matters of policy and on any technical matter which he may
desire to bring to the notice of Govt. He is responsible for successful
implementation of the forest policy as laid down by the Govt. It is his
duty to make recommendations and correspond with Govt. regarding
postings, transfers, promotions and disciplinary matters of all IFS
officers and other officers of Group A rank.
iii) PCCF may correspond directly with the Director General of Forests,
MoEF, Govt. of India and the Heads of other National institutions on
purely professional matters on which he may require information or
desire to make suggestions or to obtain advice.
iv) PCCF has the authority to call for any file from his subordinate officers
and issue suitable direction theorem.
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v) Computerisation of the Dept and development of Management
Information System will be done under the authority and supervision of
the PCCF.
vi) It is the PCCFs responsibility to ensure that the forests and wildlife are
properly conserved, managed, developed and exploited in the best
possible and sustainable manner, within the ambit of National Forest
Policy.
vii) PCCF is overall responsible for the successful implementation of the Plan
and Non-Plan Schemes and Projects of the Department. PCCF will
consolidate the budget requirements and send proposals of the
Department for the consideration of Govt. and the sanction of the
Legislature.
viii) He will allocate the budget grants and LOC among various wings of the
Dept. who will further allocate/distribute the same after obtaining the
approval of the PCCF.
ix) He will control and supervise the expenditure and revenue of theDepartment and create systems and administer it in such a manner that
the allotted revenue is made up and the allotted budget grants are
properly spent.
x) He is responsible for maintaining discipline and morale among the
officers and staff of the Department.
xi) He will conduct frequent review of the functioning of various wings
under his control and issue necessary instructions in the interest of
smooth and efficient functioning of the Dept. Such instructions have to
be compiled by the officers.
xii)
The PCCF may entrust any specific responsibility/task to any officerunder his control in addition to his regular, depending on the exigency
of the situation. Conversely, he may withdraw (subject to ratification by
the Government) any of the responsibility of any of his officers for good
and sufficient reasons.
xiii) He will exercise control and render advise to the CCF & CEO, Medicinal
Plants Authority of Karnataka.
xiv) He will deal with the various issues concerning Forest Corporations and
other public and private Sector Organisations.
xv) Any other responsibility as entrusted by the Govt.
(b) Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Evaluation, Working plan,
Research and Training) :
i) The PCCF (EWPRT) is the administrative and technical head of the
Forest Department as regards Evaluation, Working Plan, Research &
Training. He is the advisor to the Govt. on the policy matters in the
above subjects.
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ii) The PCCF (EWPRT) will communicate directly with the Chief Secretary or
to the Principal Secretary (FEE) to the Govt. whenever he considers it
necessary to do so. He will address Govt. on questions affecting matters
of policy and on any technical matter within his domain which he may
desire to bring to the notice of Govt.
iii) The PCCF (EWPRT) may correspond directly with the Director General of
Forests, MoEF, Govt of India and the Heads of the National Institutions
on purely professional matters on which he may require information or
desire to make suggestions or to obtain advice.
iv) He will control the expenditure and revenue of the CCFs under his
control in a manner which will prevent wastage and misuse.
v) The PCCF (EWPRT) is responsible for successful implementation of all
the programmes coming under his authority. He has the responsibility
to ensure maintenance of high standards as regards Working Plan
preparation and Research & Training, which need constant in-depth
analysis, application of mind, review and upgradation.
vi) PCCF has the authority to call for any file from his subordinate officers
and issue suitable direction thereon.
vii) The PCCF (EWPRT) will guide his officers in the study of the world trend
in forest research and also the developments in the other parts of India
and impart the latest skills and methodology to his subordinate officers.
Towards this end he will maintain close liaison with ICFRE and other
premier research and training institutions in India.
viii) He will guide in publication of the in-house forestry journal My Forest
and other such papers, so that high technical standards are nurtured.
ix) He will guide his CCFs to explore, locate, carry out research and
introduce beneficial and fast growing species from rest of India and
other countries into India in order to meet the growing demand for
forest products.
x) He will guide his officers to collect market intelligence on the timber,
medicinal plants and MFP items and process of value addition, and pass
on the information to the territorial officers and general public.
xi) He will head the team which carries out evaluation of the plantation
works done by the Dept.
xii) He will guide his officers to plan and organise seminars, workshops etc.,
of forestry interest for participation by officials, which should result in
upgradation of their skill levels.
xiii) The PCCF (EWPRT) will conduct frequent review of the functioning of the
various CCFs under his control and issue necessary instructions with a
view of improve administration.
xiv) He is responsible for maintaining discipline among the officers and
subordinates under his charge.
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xv) He will conduct frequent review of the functioning of various wings
under his control and issue necessary instructions in the interest of
smooth and efficient functioning of the department. Such instructions
have to be compiled with by the officers.
xvi) The PCCF (EWPRT) may entrust any specific responsibility to any officer
under his charge in addition to his regular responsibilities depending on
the exigency of the situation.
xvii) Any other responsibility the Govt. may entrust.
(c) Principal Chief conservator of Forests (Wild life) and Chief Wild Life
Warden:
i) Administering all aspects of Wildlife Divisions, including budget
distribution to them through Conservators of Forests.
ii) He will be the authority who will control, manage and maintain all
sanctuaries as per section 33 of Wildlife Protection Act.
iii) He will administer the various wildlife connected forest Laws.iv) Deal with Biosphere Reserve and Biodiversity Parks within NPs and
sanctuaries.
v) He is overall incharge of the Zoos in the State of Karnataka as Chief
Wildlife Warden.
b. Powers and duties of Additional Principal Chief Conservators of
Forests
(a) Additional Principal Chief Conservators of Forests, Working Plan:
i) He will ensure preparation/revision of Working Plans on a scientific basis
for all the Divisions of the State promptly. The Working Plan will beprepared as per the prescribed proforma as explained in the Karnataka
Forest Code. Towards this end, he will control and guide the Working
Plan DCFs/CFs posted at various places.
ii) He will maintain close liaison with the territorial officers by constant
visits to forests and ensure proper compliance of the Working Plan
Prescriptions in the field. If some of the prescriptions are not
implementable, necessary discussions may have to be entered into and
the working plan prescriptions modified accordingly as per codal
provisions.
iii)
He will guide the working Plan officers and the Territorial Officers inpreparation of micro-plans and integrate them with the main Working
Plan in JFPM areas.
iv) He will guide the Working Plan process by utilizing the latest techniques
developed in the world like latest survey and demarcation techniques,
GIS, GPS remote sensing etc., which will be of immense benefit for the
managers in the field.
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(b) Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Personal and
Administration)
i) APCCF (P&A) will exercise administrative control authority over all staff
of Group B, C and D of the Dept., within the powers vested in him by
Govt.
ii) APCCF (P&A) is authorized to control and manage all establishment
matters pertaining to Headquarters staff, including their salary bill,
leave, TA, DA, loan advances etc.,
iii) He will coordinate the recruitment of all staff of B, C and D groups, as
directed by the Government/PCCF.
iv) He will be responsible for purchase, allotment, repairs and sale of
vehicles, stores, tools, machinery, etc., for which powers are not
specifically vested in the other APCCFs / CCFs and Dept.
(c) Additional Principal Chief Conservators of Forests/Chief
Conservators of Forests (Vigilance)i) He will monitor and control the working of all Forest Mobile Squads in
the State, through the respective CFs
ii) He will monitor and review all offence cases (including Section 71A of
KFA cases) and ensure their disposal and particularly the high court
cases. He will maintain Division wise database on offences and offenders
and make it available to the concerned.
iii) He will monitor and control the forest check posts and ensure that they
are effective.
iv) He will coordinate with the state Police in forest protection and offence
matters.v) He will coordinate with the forest officials of the neighbouring States in
forest protection matters in the best interest of both the States.
vi) He is responsible for purchase of weapons and communication
equipments required for the Dept and their upkeep. He will also arrange
for training of personnel in handling these equipments.
(d) Additional Chief Conservator of Forests (Protection and
Management) :
i) He will ensure that all programmes of extractions of forest produce are
planned and executed in accordance with the Working Plan prescriptionand in a manner beneficial to the State.
ii) He will be responsible and ensure logging contracts and fixation of rates
where necessary.
iii) He will control and monitor extraction and disposal of sandalwood in the
State as per Government policy and Codal provisions. As regards
sandalwood allotment where any concession is involved, the same will
be referred to PCCF.
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iv) He will monitor forest offences in Divisions and Ranges.
v) He will interpret and clarify the doubts and meanings of the Karnataka
Forest Act & Rules, Forest Code, Forest Manual and Forest Accounts
Code, Karnataka Tree Preservation Act and ensure their compliance at
the field level. If need be, he may refer the doubts to the PCCF for
clarification.
vi) He will deal with and decide on matters concerning LAMPS.
vii) He will take up revision of the Schedule of rates for retail sale of timber
and seigniorage rates of forest produce and submit proposals to the
PCCF.
viii) Fixing the retail selling rate for sandalwood.
c. Powers and duties of Chief Conservators of Forests:-
(a) Chief Conservator of Forests (Development)
i) He will control and monitor departmental plan Schemes (other than ZP
Sector)
ii) He will also responsible for implementation of various Rural
Development programmes, Food for Work schemes, Calamity Relief
Operations, poverty Alleviation schemes, etc., insofar as they are
implementable in forest areas.
iii) Control and monitor all matters concerning, Tribal Sub Plan and
Special Component Plans.
iv) He will ensure proper growth and eventual stabilization of the JFPM
process in forest areas through VFCs under various schemes.
v) Control and monitor all matters concerning Forest Development
Agencies and National Afforestation & Eco-development Programme.
(b) Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry) :
i) He will be responsible for implementation of various Rural Development
programmes, Food for Work Schemes, Calamity Relief Operations,
Poverty Alleviation schemes, etc., insofar as the areas coming under the
ZPs domain.
ii) He will be the coordinator for the ongoing Sustainable Forest
Management and Bio-diversity conservation Project.
iii) He will ensure proper implementation of the project as per the
prescriptions in the project report.
iv) He will act as the Nodal Officer of the Department as regards the
KTP/MMR.
(c) Chief Conservator of Forests (Western Ghats Development Project):
i) Deal with the residual aspects of the DFID projects.
ii) Preparation of various forestry projects for external aid and obtain
sanction from GOI/GOK, and monitor them as directed by the PCCF.
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iii) He will act as the Nodal Officer of the Dept., as regards the KTP/MMR.
iv) On behalf of PCCF, supervise the working of encroachments cell
established in PCCFs Office. He will coordinate with the field officers to
ensure compliance with the instructions of the Chef Secretary, GOK,
CEC, MoEF, GOI and the Supreme Court. Necessary progress reports to
be obtained, compiled and furnished promptly to PCCF.
(d) Chief Conservator of Forests (Communication and Information) :
i) He is the Chief Information Officer of the Department.
ii) All I.T. related matters and eGovernance of the department.
iii) Publishing the Annual report / Annual Administration report of the
department.
iv) All statistical matters of the department/State/Central Government/
Other institutions.
v) Revision of Act and Rules, Manual, Code etc.,
vi)
Central Forest Libraryvii) Monitoring of press related Forest/Wildlife matters.
viii) To assist the PCCF in Human Resource Development, Gazetted
Establishment matters, training of the Gazetted Officers, assets and
liabilities of the Gazetted Officers, Departmental Enquiries against the
Gazetted Officers of the Department and any other responsibility
assigned by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
(e) Chief Conservator of Forests and Director (FORTI) :
i) He is responsible for planning, execution and coordination of various
forest research activities of the State. Towards this end, he will be in
constant touch with the field staff, understand their technical problems
and help resolve them through research, training etc., He will plan and
guide the Silviculturists under his control, accordingly.
ii) It is his duty to endeavor to identify and propagate various planting
techniques involving several species, which should result in high quality
eco-friendly forests. He should also develop systems of nursery raising
and disseminate the techniques to the field. He will analyse and suggest
solutions to various technical problems arising in the field.
iii) The Director (FORTI) will be in constant touch with field officers and
identify the kind of in-service training the staff may require, including
computer, law, forestry techniques, conservation issues, wildlife issues,office procedure etc.,
iv) He will get published the Depts professional journal My Forest. It
should be of high standard for which purpose he will guide and
encourage the Silviculturists, suitably.
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v) He will work out a proper strategy for training of officers and staff at all
levels. This includes entry level training as well as in-service training.
For entry level trainees, he will arrange to maintain high standards at
the Foresters and Guards training schools. These schools should be
maintained in a good condition. He should revise the syllabi periodically,
which should reflect the need of the job.
d. Powers and duties of Territorial Conservators of Forests
i) They are the officers in administrative charge of Forest Circles and are
responsible within their respective areas, for the general direction and
supervision of all forest works, for the control of establishment, of
expenditure, sales and supplies and for the general management of
forests.
ii) They are immediately subordinate to the Principal Chief Conservator of
Forests/ Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (EWPRT) / Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests (Wild Life) as the case may be in all matters.They will obtain orders and instructions from the Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests/ Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (EWPRT) /
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild Life) on professional
questions such as working plans, Silvicultural operations, protection of
forests and such other matters.
iii) He should see that all money transactions are conducted in accordance
with the rules in force;
iv) He should also ascertain that the Deputy Conservator of Forests and
other member of the controlling staff are conversant with their duties,
that discipline is maintained and the forest works are properly
supervised.v) He is responsible for the successful implementation of the Plan Schemes
within his Circle.
vi) He will regulate the budget allotment within his Circle and exercise
control over the expenditure. He will also determine the physical and
financial targets and sanction the annual plan of operations and
implement.
vii) He will control the execution of sanctioned Working Plans.
viii) He will furnish his opinion, when sought for, to the Working Plan officers
while drawing new Working Plans for forests in his circle.
ix) He will make tours of inspection, visiting every Division in his charge as
frequently as possible During these inspection tours, he will particularly
inspect important forest works, see that the several forest operations
are being carried out according to plan, examine the adequacy or
otherwise of the protective measures and assess the work of the Deputy
Conservator of Forests, Assistant Conservator of Forests and Range
Forest Officers and their subordinate and the discipline and control
maintained by them.
x) He will conduct detailed inspection once a year of each Division.
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e. Powers and duties of Conservators of Forests working in
functional posts:
(a) Conservator of Forests (Training and Eco-tourism) :
i) He is responsible for the induction training of Forest Guard and
Foresters.
ii) He is responsible for in-service training to the staff as well as officers of
the department.
iii) He is responsible for the JFPM related training to the departmental
officials as well as non-officials of the Village Forest Committees.
(b)Conservator of Forests, Forest Research and Utilisation:
i) He will guide, control and supervise forest research in Silviculture,
Forest Utilisation and Soil Conservation.
ii) He will keep himself abreast with the latest trends in Forestry research,
utilisation of Forest products and developments in the Conservation of
soil and moisture.
iii) He will keep in close contact with other institutions conducting research
in Forestry and also with the Forest based industrial concerns and co-
ordinate research work at the Departmental level.
iv) He will act as a liaison Officer between the Department and Forest
Research Institutes on the one hand, and with the Industrial enterprises
utilising forest products as raw materials on the other hand.
(c) Conservator of Forests (Forest Conservation)
i) He is the Nodal officer to deal with all matters related to forest
conservation Act 1980
ii) He will keep the details of forest lands granted and released for
cultivation or other non forestry purposes, etc.,
iii) He will maintain the account of revenue lands transferred to the
department, mutations of such lands, etc.,
iv) He is responsible for keeping account of the Forest encroachments and
deal with all the encroachment related cases.
v) He is responsible for the keeping the account of compensatory
afforestation budget, planning and raising of compensatory
afforestation.
(d)Field Director, Project Tiger.
i) He is responsible for implementing the tiger project drawn and approved
by the Government of India, for preserving the existing tiger population,
and further increase its population.
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ii) He is responsible for the proper administration of all wildlife divisions
coming under administrative control including proper implementation of
all schemes coming under his jurisdiction.
iii) He is responsible for the Wildlife management in the National
Parks/Sanctuaries coming under his jurisdiction.
iv) He is responsible for the regulation of Wilderness Tourism in his
jurisdiction.
(d) Conservator of Forests (Development):
i) Establishment matters pertaining to the cadre of Range Forest Officers,
Forester, Forest Guards, Forest Watchers, Driver and Surveyor.
ii) Assets and Liabilities statements, correspondences regarding Annual
Performance Reports in respect of Range Forest Officers,
Superintendents.
iii) All disciplinary cases pertaining to Range Forest Officers and other
executive subordinates.iv) Correspondences relating to subjects pertaining to other Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests, Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and
Chief Conservator of Forests (Co-ordination)
v) Recruitment of Range Forest Officers, Foresters, Forest Guards and
Watchers.
vi) Any other subject specifically assigned by Principal Chief Conservator of
Forests.
(e) Conservator of Forests, Working Plans
i)
The duties of the Conservator of Forests, Working Plans consist of thesurvey of the growing stock, enumeration of trees, determination of rate
of growth and calculation of annual increment of the principal species
with special reference to the soil and climatic conditions of each locality
and on the basis of data so collected, regulation of yield and
preparations of Working Plans for exploitation, regeneration,
Silvicultural treatment and protection of forests, while providing for the
due exercise of the rights and privileges of the people including grazing
of cattle.
ii) He is also required to conduct survey of Forest areas and survey of the
Forest resources, and prepare maps.
iii) Careful planning of afforestation schemes and selection of suitable areasfor different species form a part of the duties of the Working Plans.
iv) He may also be required to conduct research in subjects specially
allotted to him collaboration with the Silviculturists and such other
works which may be allotted to him.
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f. Powers and duties of Deputy Conservators of Forests:
(a) Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial)
i) The Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial) is responsible for the
general management of the forests situated in his Division, the
administration of the Division under his charge, the execution of all
forest works in the Division and possesses direct control over the forest
establishment employed therein.
ii) He exercises a direct control over the Forest establishment in the
Division and it is his duty to see that the Executive, protective,
Ministerial and other forest staff in the Division maintain discipline and
to their duties properly.
iii) He is immediately subordinate to the Conservator of Forests of the
Circle in all matters.
iv) He will arrange for regeneration, improvement, exploitation and
protection of forests according to sanctioned working plans, Working
schemes or annual plan of operations or other orders.v) He will conduct sales, enter into contracts and supply timber and other
forest produce to other Departments and to the public.
vi) He will realise the revenue allotted to his Division and control the
expenditure in the Division.
vii) He will deal finally with all forest offence cases in the Division.
viii) The Deputy Conservator of Forests will conduct inspection of all forest
works in the division and check-measure works as prescribed in the
Forest Account Code, recording the result of such measurements in the
Measurement books or Field Note books maintained for the purpose.
Though the Assistant Conservator of Forests were specially meant forcheck-measurement of works, the DCF has to check-measure a
minimum 10% of the works. Wherever there are Technical Assistants
attached to the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial), he may
delegate his duties of inspection of Forest works and their check-
measurements partly to his Technical Assistant.
ix) It will also be the duty of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial)
to see that Forest and plantation journals Control books and Control
journals are posted up to-date, The Deputy Conservator of Forests
(Territorial) should strictly adhere to the provisions of the sanctioned
Working Plans and take prompt action in obtaining the sanction of theauthority competent for the deviations, if any, found necessary in their
practical application. In respect of forests for which no Working Plans
exist or forests for which Working Plans have expired, the Deputy
Conservator of Forests (Territorial) will prepare a Working scheme for
such forests duly approved by the Government of India and work them
accordingly till they are brought under a Working Plan.
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x) The Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial) should make surprise
inspections of the Assistant Conservator of Forests Office / Range Forest
Offices when they are touring in the neighborhood of such Ranges and
look into the cash book and verify the cash balance and record a
certificate of such inspection and verifications in the cash book, bring to
the notice of the Conservator of Forests any omission or irregularity
found during such inspections.
xi) Prompt recovery of revenue outstandings of the Division is one of the
most important duties of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial).
He should take energetic action for settling the outstandings. In cases of
recovery of revenue outstanding resting with the authorities of the
Revenue Department for recovery as arrears of Land Revenue, the
Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial) should keep the concerned
Revenue Officer reminded at regular intervals and should bring to the
notice of the Conservator of Forests cases of inordinate delay. Wherever
legal proceedings in Civil Courts are found expedient for the recovery ofrevenue outstandings, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial)
should take prompt steps, obtaining the necessary sanction from the
competent authorities. As regards revenue outstandings due from the
Government departments for supplies made, he should see that there is
no delay in preferring the bills and that regular reminders are issued for
the return of the accepted bills. The Deputy Conservator of Forests
(Territorial) is held responsible for the recovery of all outstandings.
xii) Within the frame work of Forest Account Code, the Deputy Conservator
of Forests (Territorial) will regulate and control the grant of advances for
works to the disbursers and it is his duty to see that the advancessanctioned by him to the disburser are actually covered by the work
done, or supplies made or services rendered or by cash recovery when
such advances are made, and that proper sureties or sufficient
securities are taken in respect of advances made. Prompt steps to
sanction the estimates of works or to obtain sanctions of the higher
authorities for the estimates of works, as the case may be, before the
commencement of the work should be taken by the Deputy Conservator
of Forests (Territorial).
xiii) The Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial) will check the license
books and accounts of each license issuing officer.xiv) The Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial) should test check the
stock of timber and sandalwood whenever he visits a Timber Depot or
Sandalwood depot during his inspection tours. In cases where the
charges of timber and sandalwood depots are not held by a Gazetted
Officer, it is the duty of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial)
to check the entire stock of timber or sandalwood, as the case may be,
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once in a year either by himself or through his Technical Assistant and
submit an annual stock taking report to the Conservator of Forests. This
report should exhibit not only the book balance of each kind of timber or
each class of Sandalwood, but also results of comparison of the same
with the figures arrived at by actual counting, measurement or
weighment, as the case may be. In respect of timber, he should also
check the timber sold, but not paid for and also timber paid for but not
removed by purchasers. A detailed list of timber available in the Depot
or a detailed list of different classes of Sandalwood available in the
Depot at the time of Stock-taking should be appended to the Stock-
taking report.
xv) It is an important duty of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial)
to see that the rules regarding the transit of Forest produce are
scrupulously enforced by the subordinate executive and protective staff,
that the forest check-posts established for the purpose function properly
and that the system of issue of passes for the transit of forest produce
is properly; controlled and regulated.
xvi) He may also be required to perform any special work or duty which may
be entrusted to him by his superior.
xvii) (a) Regarding maintenance of Departmental elephants he is generally
responsible for the maintenance, up-keep, care and proper working
of the elephants in the Division.
(b) He will approve the programme of work for elephants drawn by the
Range Forest Officer.
(c) He will be responsible for proper distribution of elephants for work in
the Division.
(d) When in camp, he may supervise feeding of elephants, check the
work of elephants, take notice of short or inefficient work turned out,
inspect the elephants and see to their condition and fitness and
inspect the elephant gear and see to their adequacy and good
repairs.
(e) He may conduct surprise inspection of stock of rations and record
notes of his inspection.
(f) He may check the registers of work turned out by elephants and cost
of feed and keep of elephants.
xviii) He will make annual inspection of accoutrements.xix) He will make regular inspection of Forest boundaries and take step for
boundary consolidation.
xx) He is responsible for the implementation of Joint Forest Planning and
Management (JFPM) / Forest Development Agency (FDA) process as per
the guidelines in force and proper functioning of Village Forest
Committees.
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xxi) He will conduct annual inspection of all the subordinate offices under his
jurisdiction.
xxii) He is responsible for the timely submission of Annual Plan of Operations
to the Conservator of Forests for sanction.
(b)Deputy Conservator of Forests (Zilla Panchayat):
i) He is subordinate to the Conservator of Forests of the respective circle.
ii) He is responsible for the proper implementation of various Social
Forestry programmes and other afforestation schemes under Zilla
Panchayat as well as department.
iii) He will co-ordinate with the local self governments/bodies at different
levels.
iv) He will conduct annual inspection of all his Subordinate offices.
v) He is responsible for the implementation of Joint Forest Planning and
Management (JFPM) / Forest Development Agency (FDA) process as per
the guidelines in force and proper functioning of Village ForestCommittees.
vi) He is responsible for the timely submission of Annual plan of Operations
to the Conservator of Forests for technical sanction.
(c) Deputy Conservator of Forests/Assistant Conservator of Forests,
Wildlife/National Parks/Sanctuaries
He will perform all the functions of territorial Deputy Conservator of
Forests, but as per the sanctioned Management plan by the Chief Wildlife
Warden. Any deviation in the management plan has to be approved by the
Chief Wildlife Warden.
(d) Deputy Conservator of Forests, Head Quarters:
i) He assist in Establishment matters pertaining to Non-gazetted staff
under Ministerial category.
ii) Daily wage, MRE, Supernumery employees correspondences.
iii) Compassionate appointment correspondences.
iv) Cash Section and Stores Section.
v) Monitoring replies to LA/LC, Loksabha/Rajyasabha questions.
vi) Dealing, Subject Committee, Assurance Committee, Petition Committee
etc.
vii) Any other subjects assigned by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
(e) Silviculturists
i) They will work under the direction of the Conservator of Forests, Forest
Research & Utilisation Circle and in collaboration with the territorial
Forest Officers and conduct research into problems confronting the
forestry practices in the State.
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ii) Their sphere of work includes evolution of plantation and regeneration
technique of various species, introduction of exotic species of economic
value, investigation of methods for the improvement of the growing
stock and soil fertility, finding out of suitable species for the
afforestation of denuded and arid tracts; cultivation of medicinal plants
and other of economic importance and such other things. He will also
investigate measures for the conservation of soil and moisture and
measures for controlling and preventing any disease concerning plant
species and weed problems.
iii) They will compile statistical data regarding the rate of increment and
prepare volume and yield tables for important species. Compilation of a
Silvicultural ledger of various species is an important duty of the
silviculturist.
iv) They will conduct experiments in Forest Genetics, hybridisation of
different species, and seed origin. He will, for the above purposes,
maintain necessary experimental, research and demonstration plots.
v) They will be the co-coordinating agency for the supply and distribution
of seeds and other planting material both within and outside the State.
vi) They will keep regular contracts with the Central Silviculturist, Dehra
Dun and the Silviculturists of the other States, exchange notes with
them, keep abreast with the development in Silvicultural research and
conduct and guide the Silvicultural research in the State.
vii) They may also be required to do any special work or duty that may be
entrusted to him by his superior officers.
g. Powers and duties of Assistant Conservators of Forests:
(a) (i) He is immediate subordinate to the Deputy Conservator of Forests in all
matters, receives orders and instructions from him and assists him in
supervision and inspection to ensure quantity and quality of works like
departmental logging, plantation works, building and communication
works, fire protection/control works in addition to Silvicultural works in
which technical skill and knowledge is required.
ii) He will frequently inspect the Range Forest Offices, the timber depots,
check-posts and license issuing stations within his Sub-Division and see
that the works therein are carried on properly and the accounts,
registers and books are maintained in order and posted up to date. He
will also check the stock of timber in the depots under the Range Forest
Officer or foresters and the accounts of the timber transactions
maintained therein and bring cases of irregularities to the notice of the
Deputy Conservator of Forests.
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iii) He will compound or deal with the forest offence cases booked by him or
the Range Forest Officers within the powers delegated to him as per the
Karnataka Forest Rules 1969.
iv) He will conduct petty sales of forest produce and sanction the highest
bid under the powers delegated to him as per Karnataka Forest Rules
1969.v) He is responsible for the eviction of encroachments in his jurisdiction.
vi) He is responsible for the proper functioning of wireless network in his
jurisdiction.
vii) He is responsible for control and supervision of Saw Mills and other
wood based industries in his jurisdiction.
viii) He is responsible for proper implementation of Joint Forest Planning and
Management (JFPM)/forest Development Agency (FDA) activities in his
jurisdiction.
ix) He is responsible for organising night patrol activities of his jurisdiction.
x) He will inspect personally the forest area where illicit fellings have
occurred and take immediate remedial measures and keep informing
the Deputy Conservator of Forests immediately.
xi) He will be assisting the Deputy Conservator of Forests in technical and
any other maters entrusted to him by the Deputy Conservator of
Forests.
(b) Forest Utilisation Officer
i) The duties of the Forest Utilisation Officer will include among other
things, the encouragement of more effective and intensive utilisation of
forest products in trade, industries, etc., popularisation of the various
indigenous forest products as substitute to those imported,improvement in the logging technique and tools by mechanisation to
save loss during conversion and the finding out of ways and means for
the proper utilisation of inferior species of trees by seasoning,
preservative-treatment or processing such timbers into various types of
processed woods.
ii) It is his duty to study the trends in the market for timber and other
forest produce and work in collaboration with the territorial Deputy
Conservator of Forests, to secure the best price for the timber and other
forest produce sold by them.
iii) He may freely supply information to the general public and industries
whenever information regarding the utilisation, suitability and
availability of any species of timber or other forest produce and such
other matters as are sought for by them. Results of research in forest
products in the country should be published by him through proper
media.
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iv) Besides conducting research and investigation in the utilisation of forest
products, he will pool information on the developments in the utilisation
of forest products in the country and outside.
v) It is his duty to arrange for proper publicity and propaganda to secure
more favourable new markets for the forest products of the State.
vi) He will give expert opinion after a thorough examination in casesreferred to him to examine any samples of wood in any legal
proceedings.
vii) It is his duty to do any special work that may be entrusted to him by his
superior Officers.
h. Powers and duties of Officers in charge of Timber Depots, Sandalwood
Depots:
i) These Officers are responsible for the proper functioning of the
organisation under their charges, the stock of forest produce transactedtherein, the maintenance of accounts, registers and books in respect of
such transactions and for the control of the establishment employed
therein.
ii) It is the duty of the Depot Officer to correctly measure and/or weigh the
timber or sandalwood received at the depot and clarify the same in his
presence.
iii) The release of timber or Sandalwood to the purchaser will be in
accordance with the terms of sale or supply.
iv) They will also be responsible for the safety of the stock of timber,
sandalwood, machinery, etc., under their charge and they will takeadequate precautions in this behalf.
v) These officers work under the immediate control of the Deputy
Conservator of Forests and receive instructions and orders from them.
i. Powers and duties of Officers in charge of Mobile Squads:
i) The administrative control of squad is vested with the Deputy
Conservator of Forests or Conservator of Forests depending upon the
administrative convenience and the officer in charge of a squad may
thus be under the immediate control of the Deputy Conservator of
Forests or Conservator of Forests as the case may be, and from whom
he will receive instructions and orders.
ii) The squad Officer will exercise proper control over the establishment
under him and will see that they maintain discipline and do their work
properly.
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iii) He will keep regular contacts with the territorial controlling, executive
and protective staff and detect cases.
iv) He should always be Vigilant and maintain informants at strategic
places to obtain information regarding the activities of the smugglers of
forest produce.
v) He and his staff should constantly patrol the forest and the customary
routes through which forest produce is smuggled and see that the
incidence of smuggling of Forest produce is reduced.
vi) Checking of forest produce in transit and detection of cases violating the
transit rules would be the most important duty of the Mobile Squad.
vii) The squad Officer and his staff may seek the assistance and co-
operation of the Officers of the Police Department/Special Police C.I.D.,
(Forest cell).
j. Powers and duties of Range Forest Officers:
i) The Range Forest Officer is the officer in executive charge of the Range
and he his responsible for the efficient management of the Range, for
the custody and condition of all Government property in his charge, and
for the discipline, conduct and work of all his subordinate staff.
ii) He is responsible for the execution of all works in the Range with the
help of his Foresters and Guards and according to the instructions and
orders of the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
iii) He is responsible for the collection and credit of Forest revenue, for the
prompt and correct payment of all sums due for the works executed.
iv) He must carry out his inspections diligently and see that all his
subordinates do their work properly. In the event of serious misconduct
on the part of any of his subordinates, the Range Forest Officer should
report the case to the Deputy Conservator of Forests with the
explanation of the subordinates for taking further disciplinary action as
per rules.
v) He is also responsible for the correct maintenance of all accounts,
relating to revenue, expenditure, stocks of timber and other forest
produce, yield of forest produce and other matters connected with theRange, the punctual submission of his accounts and reports and the
proper handling of his correspondence in the manner laid down by
departmental code and manual.
vi) He should prescribe a definite programme of work from time to time for
execution by each subordinate, and see that the works thus assigned
are properly carried out.
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vii) In order to keep the subordinates in the strict path of duty, the RFO will
undertake constant supervision and surprise inspections. The inspection
of a Beat by the Range Forest Officer should relate mainly to
(1) The examination of the Guards uniform, clothing, accoutrements,
and other Government property that may be entrusted to his
charge.
(2) The inspection of the Forest Guards diary book, F.I., report
book, maps and plan of the Beat and order file.
(3) the inspection of the state of protection and the state of
boundary lines and boundary marks of the reserved and other
forests in charge of the Forest Guard, and
(4) The inspection of such special works in the Beat as may have
been entrusted to him for execution.
viii) The state of protection and demarcation of the forest should receive the
Range Forest Officers special attention. Evidence of illicit fellings, Goat
browsing, cattle trespass in closed areas, and the proper maintenanceof sign-boards to indicate areas closed and open to grazing should also
receive his attention.
ix) He should check the muster-rolls and the mazdoors engaged for any
work in the Range as prescribed in Forest Account Code.
x) He will execute the sanctioned works at the proper time, incur
expenditure on departmental works at the rates not exceeding
sanctioned rates and record the measurements and quantities of work
done in the books and registers maintained for the purpose.
xi) He is also responsible for the timely disbursement of pay and allowances
of the subordinate staff.xii) It is his duty to explain to his subordinates, the existing rights and
privileges of villagers, if any, in the forest and the legal actions to be
taken when necessary under the Forest Act and Rules.
xiii) He should inspect periodically the, accounts of the Depot Officers under
his control, report to the Deputy Conservator of Forests, cases of any
irregularity or default.
xiv) Whenever forest rest houses are inspected the Range Forest Officer
should examine the rain-gauge, if any set up in the compound, and
check the entries made in the Rain-gauge register. He should also
examine the bungalow book and ascertain whether clients noted in theregister as Paid have been duly brought to account. If any repairs are
needed, whether to roads, bungalows, or furniture he should prepare
and submit the necessary estimates to the Deputy Conservator of
Forests.
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xv) Laying out of coupes accurately, where the Surveyors are not available,
and marking of trees for felling or reservation is the responsibility of the
Range Forest Officer.
xvi) The Range Forest Officer is responsible for clearing and fire-tracing of all
fire lines in his Range. He should proceed immediately on receipt of
intimation of any fire occurrence to the spot and take prompt steps for
extinguishing.
xvii) It is the duty of the Range Forest Officer to submit the annual plan of
operations estimates for works to the Deputy Conservator of Forests for
sanction and take up the execution of the work on receipt of such
sanction. All measurements of works completed should be recorded on
the spot in the Field Note Book or Measurement Book, as the case may
be, by the Range Forest Officer under his dated signature.
xviii) Detection of forest offences and their investigation, filing of charge
sheets in respect of cases ordered for prosecution by the Deputy
Conservator of Forests and the successful prosecution of forest offence
cases in law courts form part of the important duties of the Range
Forest Officer.
xix) While executing works given out on contract basis, the Range Forest
Officer should carefully study the terms of the agreement,
specifications, plans, estimates, etc., and see that they are scrupulously
observed, without allowing for any deviations except under the orders of
the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
xx) Correct valuation of forest property is an important duty of the Forest
Range Officer and he will be responsible for any under estimation or
over-estimation of its value.
xxi) (1) He should not allow elephants to keep idle for want of timber or
want of dragging gear.
(2) He will see the contractor supplies proper rations in time, and
arrange for their receipt, storage and issue. He will prepare
monthly bills of contractors for the supply of rations. Whenever it
is found necessary, he will arrange for the local purchase of
rations and other articles.
(3) He should make surprise inspections of stock of rations with each
Mahut.
(4) He will pay surprise visits to elephant camps at feeding hours
and supervise over feeding of elephants.
(5) He will be responsible for the proper extraction of work from
each elephant and report cases of Mahuts who are not extracting
proper work from the elephants to the Deputy Conservator of
Forests.
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(6) When elephants are reported sick, he will instruct the Jamedar to
attend to First Aid treatment, if of ordinary nature. In serious
cases, he will immediately wire to the Veterinary Inspector in-
charge of elephants to proceed forthwith for treating the sick
elephant. He may indent upon the services of the Local
veterinary Inspector in emergent cases. In any case, he should
keep the Deputy Conservator of Forests informed of the action
taken.
(7) He should attend to the immediate repairs of the elephant gear,
etc., so as to avoid dislocation of work.
(8) He will exercise disciplinary control over Jamedar, Mahut and
Kothal and take suitable action in cases of negligence of duty,
malpractice, etc. He will also see that they wear the prescribed
uniforms while on duty.
(9) He will maintain registers of (1) Record of cost, feed and keep of
elephants, (2) Weekly statement of work turned out byelephants, (3) Record of work turned out by elephants during
each month and (4) Record of cost of feed and maintenance of
elephants and the value of work turned out and submit monthly
statements in the prescribed forms to the Deputy Conservator of
Forests.
(10) He will maintain service registers of each elephant under his
charge and make the necessary entries therein and record
periodic measurements required to be recorded.
(11) He is responsible to prevent Forest encroachments.
(12)
He is responsible for the proper implementation of Joint ForestPlanning and Management (JFPM)/Forest Development Agency
(FDA) and proper functioning of Village Forest Committees in his
range.
k. Powers and duties of a Veterinary Inspector in charge of
Elephants:
i) He is responsible for the medical treatment of elephants under his
charge.
ii) The veterinary Inspector should examine each elephant at least once in
a month.
iii) He will prescribe rations for the working, non-working and sick
elephants.
iv) He will supervise over feeding of elephants during his inspections and
also check the stock and quality of rations.
v) He will submit annual indents for the supply of medicines required for
the year and stock them at a central place. He should keep in each
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elephant camp a medicine chest with sufficient stocks of medicines in
charge of the Jamedar for First Aid treatment.
vi) It will be his primary duty to attend on a sick elephant immediately on
receipt of a report of sickness.
vii) He will also supervise over proper training of elephants.
viii) He will maintain a Health register of elephants and forward to the RangeForest Officer, Deputy Conservator of Forests and Conservator of
Forests a fortnightly health report.
ix) He will maintain a stock register of medicines and a clinical register
indicating the treatment given to sick elephants.
x) He should see that the Jamedar, Mahut and Kothal take proper care of
the elephant, regarding feeding, pasturing, watering, bathing of the
animal, that the elephants are not unnecessarily teased or over worked,
that the sanitation of the elephant camp is properly maintained and
report to the Range Forest Officer the conditions of the elephant gear,
etc., wherever necessary.
l. Powers and duties of Foresters:
i) Where a Forester is posted to the charge of a Section he is directly
responsible to the Range Forest Officer for the proper protection of the
forests and other Government property included in his Section and for
the execution of such works as may be ordered to be carried out in it.
ii) He should maintain the discipline of the Forest Guards and see that they
know their duties and carry them out efficiently.
iii) He should have a thorough knowledge of the nature and extent of the
forest property entrusted to him and protect it with utmost vigilance anddiligence.
iv) He should, by frequent patrolling and perambulation of the Beats under
his jurisdiction see that the Beat Guards maintain the boundary lines
and boundary marks of forests in proper repairs and order and that illicit
fellings, Goat-browsing, and grazing in closed areas do not take place in
their Beats.
v) He will assist the Range Forest Officer in the execution of special works,
detection and investigation of forest offences, issue of passes when
specially authorised, checking of forest produce in transit. He will also
assist the Range Forest Officer in laying out of coupes, marking for
felling, reservation of standards, and in controlling the extraction and
removal of timber or other forest produce from the coupe.
vi) He should have a thorough knowledge of the rights and privileges of the
villagers in his Section and regulate the removal of forest produce by
right and privilege holders accordingly and as per the rules in force.
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vii) Supervision over the maintenance of fire-traces in the Reserved Forests
protected and plantations, etc., during the fire season, control over the
work of the Fire-patrols is engaged for the protection of forests from fire
and surprise visits to ensure that each Beat Guard and Fire-Patrol is
vigilant, are the duties of the Forester in charge of a Section. It will be
his duty to take immediate steps to extinguish the fire, if any, observed
by him or reported to him, collecting all the available assistance from
the neighbouring villages, right and privilege holders, and forest
contractors and lessees.
viii) He should, when required by the Range Forest Officer, maintain the
muster-roll of labourers engaged on departmental works, and render
the accounts to the Range Forest Officer.
ix) While supervising the works of contractors, he should be in a position to
control the works, having a complete knowledge of the terms of the
contract specifications, plans, estimates, etc.
x)
He will also collect drift and stranded timber in his Section and taketemporary custody of timber and other forest produce seized in forest
offence cases.
xi) He should see that the First Information report in respect of forest
offences detected by him and his Beat Guards are promptly sent to the
Range Forest Officer and The Deputy Conservator of Forests and the
seizure reported to the concerned Magistrate.
xii) He will carry out Silvicultural works such as sowings, plantings, cultural
operations, nursery works, Collection of seeds, etc., as ordered by the
Range Forest Officer.
xiii) He will maintain registers, books and accounts required of him, render
the accounts and returns, if any, thereof and submit his weekly diaries
to the Range Forest Officer punctually.
xiv) He will be the Secretary, Village Forest Committee of his jurisdiction and
he is responsible for the proper functioning of the Village Forest
Committees.
xv) He is responsible to prevent Forest encroachments of his jurisdiction.
m. Powers and duties of Elephant Jamedar/Forester incharge of
Elephants:
i) He will work under the orders of the Range Forest Officer in whose
Jurisdiction the elephants are stationed for work.
ii) He is responsible for the execution of each days work, and will see that
elephants leave the camp for their daily work early in the morning and
put in at least 6 hours of work each day. He should go with the
elephants to the work spot and see that the Mahuts extract from each
elephant the work prescribed for it.
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iii) He should see that the Mahuts do not ill-treat the elephants.
iv) He should see that the Mahuts are trained to exercise proper control
over their elephants.
v) He should see that the elephants gear is kept by the Mahuts in good and
efficient condition.vi) He will see that the elephants are well washed and kept clean.
vii) He will see that Kothals keep the elephant stand clear of dung etc.
viii) He will see that each elephant gets the prescribed feed at the prescribed
time daily.
ix) He will see that the elephants that are set free in the forest for grazing
in the evening are taken to an area of forest where there is good grass
and fodder and that they are properly hobbled.
x) He will see that the Kothals collect grass and branch fodder whenever
available for feeding the elephants.
xi) He will report breakage of accoutrements to the Range Forest Officer
and arrange with his approval for the immediate repair or replacement
of the damaged or broken articles.
xii) He will attend to the First Aid treatment of elephants sick or injured in
ordinary cases, and report to the Range Forest Officer.
xiii) He should exercise disciplinary control over Mahuts and Kothals.
xiv) He is also responsible for the proper training of the elephants.
n. Powers and duties of Beat Guards:
i) to know the boundaries of his Beat thoroughly, prevent encroachment,
protect his Beat against injury from fire or other causes.
ii) To patrol the forests constantly in his Beat to prevent offences; where
the offences are detected, he must submit First Information reports
promptly to the Range Forest Officer and the Deputy Conservator of
Forests and assist the Forester and the Range Forest Officer in their
further investigation.
iii) to maintain the boundary lines and boundary marks of Reserved and
other forests in proper order and repair.
iv) He should see that the rights and privileges existing, if any, in the forest
of his Beat are not infringed by the villagers.
v) He should cut creepers and climbers during his perambulations in the
forests.
vi) He should keep the sign-boards and name-boards of forests and
plantations and boundary marks of coupes in good condition and repair.
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vii) He should know all areas open and closed to grazing in his Beat, provide
sign-boards, indicting areas closed to grazing, and see that no grazing
takes place in the areas closed. He should never permit goat browsing
in the Reserved and Protected forests under his charge. Trespassing
cattle should be impounded in the nearest cattle pounds and the offence
reported to the Range Forest Officer with the pound receipt. He shouldprevent unauthorised lopping of trees.
viii) He should collect drift and stranded timber.
ix) He should check licenses (Permits), control their execution and attest
and date the endorsement of such check on the license. All licenses
checked at a Forest checking station should be noted down with
necessary particulars in a register to be maintained by him.
x) He should check forest produce in transit and see that the forest
produce is not removed except in accordance with the transit rules.
xi) He should possess a knowledge of the several forest works that are in
progress in the Beat and control and supervise over such of the works
as ordered by Section Forester and the Range Forest Officer. He should
also know the forest contracts and leases under operation in his Beat
and the obligations imposed on such contracts and leases with a view to
enforce them.
xii) He should be vigilant and be on the look out for fires in the fire season,
fire trace the fire-lines in good time, prevent kindling of fire public or
private way in forests, control and supervise over the work of fire-
patrols engaged and take immediate steps to put out the fire in the
event of their occurrence by collecting the neighbouring villagers, right
and privilege holders and workmen of the contractors and lessees, if
any, in the areas. He should, for that purpose, know who are all legallybound to render assistance in case of forest fires.
xiii) When he is entrusted with any special works involving the employment
of labourers on daily wages, he should maintain the muster-roll
correctly.
xiv) He should carry out silvicultural works such as sowings, plantings,
nursery works, collection of seeds, creeper cutting, pruning, thinning of
coppice-shoots, and such other cultural operations as ordered by the
Section Forester or the Range Forest Officer.
xv) He should know every feature of his Beat.
xvi) Whenever he is entrusted with the charge of any rest-house or
inspection-lodge or Forest bungalow, he should keep them, their
compounds, and approach roads clean and tidy and protect them and
the furniture and other articles kept in them safe from damage. He
should also protect all Government property, such as roads, bridges,
buildings, check-post, Rain-gauge stations, etc., in the Beat and
promptly report any damage to them to the Range Forest Officer.
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xvii) He should affix on all illicitly cut stumps of trees in the forest, a hammer
mark prescribed for the purpose, make a note of the exact locality,
description and number of such stumps in his diary book and report
about them to the Range Forest Officer. Where such hammer-marks are
not found and when no reference to the report made can be produced, it
will be presumed that the Forest Guard has failed to patrol and perform
his functions properly.
o. Powers and duties of the Ministerial Employees:
(a) Administrative Officeri) He is the Ministerial head of the Staffs of different offices in the Head
Quarters at Bangalore.
(b) Administrative Assistanti) He is assistant to the Administrative Officer and is also the ministerial
head of the staff, where the post of Administrative Officer is not
existing.
(c) Gazetted Manageri) To receive and open tappal (other than D.O. & Confidential letters) and
arrange distribution among different sections.
ii) To sanction Casual Leave and Earned Leave up to two month to the staff
of the office.
iii) To attest entries in the Service Registers.
iv) To sign fair copies of routine communication addressed to subordinate
officers, and other offices and to issue reminders.v) To issue first D.O. reminders to Asst. Conservators of Forests of Sub-
Division and Range Forest Officers and to approve drafts which do not
involve financial implications or sanctions and also to dispose of routine
correspondence.
vi) To order closure of files and sending them to record section, duly
maintaining the Record Room property.
vii) To verify the Cash balance and attest the General Cash Book entries and
check stamp accounts.
viii) To sign the pay, TA and Contingent Bills of the Non-Gazetted Staff of
the Division Office.
ix) To ensure timely submission of Cash Accounts to Accountant General,
Bangalore.
x) To issue receipts for cash received in the office and arrange for
remittance.
xi) To sign and issue invoice in respect of permit books, forms, stores,
tools, etc. after checking the stock and after obtaining sanction from the
Deputy Conservator of Forests.
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xii) To conduct annual verification of stores.
xiii) To conduct Monthly Inspection of sections as per office procedure.
xiv) To ensure timely/prompt reconciliation of Revenue & Expenditure
figures w.r.t. Accountant General and UTC & DCB.
xv) To ensure prompt recovery of outstanding dues to Government by
watching DCB.
xvi) To ensure timely submission of Monthly, Quarterly, Yearly Returns to
the higher authorities.
xvii) He will be having overall supervision over the staff and ensure smooth
functioning of the office, with due co-operation of all the staff.
xviii) Any other specific works assigned by the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
(d) Superintendenti) The Superintendent working in the Division Office responsible to the
Manager with regard to the works assigned to him.
ii) He will have the responsibility of dealing with the works relating to
Budget, Accounts, Timber Accounts, DCB., Compilation of Stores, tools
and plants with experienced assistance of First Division
Assistants/Second Division Assistants.
iii) The Division Superintendent will be the custodian of cheque books,
Accounts Vouchers and valuable documents and will post up the cash
book as and when transaction takes place.
iv) He is responsible for the prompt and timely reconciliation of revenue
and expenditure figures w.r.t. Accountant General Figures, UTC, UFI,
besides furnishing replies to Public Accounts Committee.
v) Inspection Reports, Watching DCB and timely collection of outstanding
dues to Government.vi) He is also responsible for rendering all periodical returns pertaining to
Accounts, Budget, Stores tools & plants, timber accounts, DCB, list of
estimates sanctioned in Division Office, completion reports of works,
annual reports etc.
vii) He will also carryout any other works assigned by the Manager.
viii) All files relating to the above compilations should be routed through the
Manager for approval of the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
(e) Chief Accounts Officeri) He is the Principal Advisor as regards Accounts/Budget/Audit.
ii) Assist the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests on the overall accounts,
budget, loans and advances to officials, etc.
iii) Reconciliation of accounts, replies to audit objections C and AG para and
all matters pertaining to PAC, Assurance Committee and such other
statutory Legislative Committees under the guidance of Addl. Principal
Chief Conservator of Forests (P&A).
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iv) Monitor and report to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests on
allocation of funds under Externally Aided Projects, Plan Schemes, etc.,
being handled by the Principal Chief Conservator of forests (Wildlife and
EWPRT) and other Chief Conservator of Forests.
v) Internal audit of the unit officers of the Department and report to
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.vi) Any other subjects assigned by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,
Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Personnel and
Administration).
(f) First Division Assistanti) All files starting from the Second Division Assistant are routed through
this level.
(g) Second Division AssistantAll files are attended to and begins at this level in the Forest offices.
(h) Personal Assistants (Typists, Stenographers)i) They help in the day to day typing of reports, letters, statements and
returns and taking down dictations.
(i) Data Entry Operatorsi) To compute and enter datas of the projects and of database
ii) To maintain files as is directed
iii) To perform all duties as instructed on time to time by the Concerned
officers
(i) Peons
i)
To assist the officer and officials of the department in discharging theirduties
ii) Any other works as assigned by the officers.
3. The procedure followed in the decision making process,
including channels of supervision and accountability:-
The office procedure to be followed in the Government Offices
including the office of the Forest Department are dealt in detail in the
handbook of Office procedure issued by the Government of Karnataka. This
handbook is followed for the purpose of Office business.
In the day to day administration in the office work there are as far as
possible two levels of working
i) File initiation by the Case worker.
ii) Overall supervision by a Gazetted Manager or Superintendent or
Administrative Assistant / Administrative Officer.
iii) Final Decision at the Officer level.
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4. The norms set by it for the discharge of its functions:
i) All Decision would be taken by the officer concerned vested with suchpowers.
ii) The concerned officers will exercise powers delegated to them under the
relevant Acts, Rules, Codes and Manuals as are applicable to the
deprtment delegation of financial powers of the department.
5. The rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records,
held by it or under its control or used by its employees for
discharging its functions:
The following are the books maintained in the Karnataka Forest
Department for discharge of its duties by the officers, ministerial staff, etc.
i) Karnataka Forest Act 1963.ii)
Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976 and Rules, 1977.
iii) Wildlife (Protection) of Act, 1972 and Rules, 1973.iv) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Rules, 2003.v) Karnataka Forest rule, 1969.vi) Karnataka Forest code.vii) Karnataka Forest Account Code.viii) Karnataka Forest Manual.ix) Karnataka Land Grant Rules.x) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Rules, 1986.xi) Manual of Office Procedures, delegation of Financial Powers.xii) Copies of all the working plans of the Different Divisions of the
department.
6. A statement of the categories of documents that are held
by it or under its control:
The Annual Plan of Operations, the estimates of various works
sanctioned under the Competency of the concerned officers in the Head
Quarters, Statutory Rules and Circulars pertaining to different functions of the
department, Codal Plans, Cash Books, Accounts Ledgers, Vouchers pertaining
to the Accounts, Case workers diary, inward-outward tappal ledger copies of
the working plans, copies of the management plans, all files pertaining toestablishment matters, disciplinary cases, land matters, policy matters, files
pertaining to correspondences with the Government and subordinate offices,
government circular files, circular instructions from the head office to the
subordinates office, files pertaining to training of personnel, files pertaining to
programmes of the government (plan and non-plan schemes), files pertaining
to erstwhile and ongoing projects etc.
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7. The particulars of arrangement that exists for
consultation with, or represented by the members of the
public in relation to the formulation of its policy or
administration thereof:
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Communication and Information) isnominated as the Chief Information Officer who will be incharge of providing
information on all policy matters and administrative matters of the
department. Any public interested in opinion of the same may contact the
concerned officer.
The Karnataka Forest Department website at
www.karnatakaforestdepartment.org provides all information for the
public.
8. A statement of the boards, councils, committees and
other bodies consisting of two or more persons
constituted as its part or for the purpose of its advise, and
as to whether meetings of those boards, councils,
committees and other bodies are open to the public, or
the minutes of such meetings are accessible for public:
Not applicable.
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9. Directory of officers and employees of Karnataka Forest
Department:a. Directory of IFS Officers
Sl.No.
Name Post held Date ofJoining
1 Ram Mohan Ray Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,4th Floor, Aranya Bhavan, 18th Cross,Malleswaram, Bangalore-560 003.
21-May-05
2 Dilipkumar P.J Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,Evaluation, Working Plan,Research and Training,Bangalore.
14-Feb-04
3 Avani Kumar Varma Principal Chief Conservator of Forests(Wildlife) and Chief Wild Life Warden,Aranya Bhavan, Malleswaram,Bangalore.
21-May-05
4 Nagaraj S Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of ForestsWorking Plan, Forest Research & Training,
Aranya Bhavan,Malleswaram, Bangalore.
01-Dec-03
5 Vedant C.S Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests(Protection and Management)Aranya Bhavan, 18th Cross,Malleswaram, Bangalore.
07-Apr-04
6 Brij Kishore Singh Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forestsand Chief Executive OfficerKarnataka Lake Development Authority,M.G. Road, Bangalore.
01-Jan-05
7 Ramalingegowda S.K Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,(Personnel and Administration)Bangalore.
17-Aug-05
8 Chandrashekara Murthy N Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,
(Vigilance) 2nd Floor,Aranya Bhavan, 18th Cross,Malleswaram, Bangalore.
14-Nov-05
9 Muni Reddy M Chief Conservator of Forests(Social Forestry) Aranya Bhavan,Malleswaram, Bangalore.
02-Jul-03
10 Basappa B Director,Forest Research and Training Institute,Arakere Mico Layout, Doresanipalya,Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore
05-Apr-02
11 Ravi Ralph Chief Conservator of Forests,Western Ghats Forestry Project,4th Floor, Vana Vikas,Malleswaram, Bangalore.
30-Sep-05
12 Shivanna Gowda .B Chief Conservator of Forests(Development) Aranya Bhavan,Malleswaram, Bangalore.
26-Dec-05
13 Suresh R.S Member Secretary,Zoo Authority ofKarnataka,No.11, Sri Ramapura, IIndStage,Madhuvana Layout, Mysore.
07-Jul-04
14 Selva Kumar G Chief Conservator of Forests(Communication and Information)Aranya Bhavan, Malleswaram,Bangalore
03-Feb-05
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Sl.No.
Name Post held Date ofJoining
15 Hosmath B.J Conservator of ForestsWorking Plan, Mysore.
26-Nov-04
16 Kishan Singh Sugara Conservator of ForestsMangalore Circle, Mangalore
12-Aug-02
17 Anur Reddy P Conservator of ForestsPP&M, Western Ghats Forestry Project,(O/o PCCF, Wildlife) Bangalore
04-May-03
18 Uday Kumar R Conservator of Forests,Working Plan and Survey,Chickamagalur.
07-Nov-05
19 Gudipeti Vidya Sagar Conservator of ForestsDharwad Circle, Dharwad.
20-Nov-04
20 Rangaswamy V Conservator of Forests(Development) Aranya Bhavan,Malleswaram, Bangalore.
26-Dec-05
21 Kolla Sri Saibaba Conservator of Forests(Forest Conservation)
Aranya Bhavan, Malleswaram,Bangalore.
06-Oct-05
22 Punati Sridhar Conservator of ForestsGulbarga Circle, Gulbarga.
16-Jul-03
23 Goudar M.S Conservator of Forests,Forest Research and Utilisation,Bangalore.
22-Nov-04
24 Prem Kumar P Conservator of Forests,Kodagu Circle, Madikeri.
05-Oct-05
25 Venkatesh D.A Conservator of Forests,Chamarajanagar Circle,Chamarajanagar.
30-Jul-04
26 Aralikatti K.S Chief Executive Officer,
Zilla Panchayath,Haveri District, Haveri.
27-Jul-05
27 Nadagoudar B.B Conservator of ForestsBelgaum Circle, Belgaum
15-Jul-02
28 Nagaraja Hampole M Conservator of Forests,Bangalore Circle, Aranya Bhavan,Malleswaram, Bangalore.
30-Sep-05
29 Krishnegowda M.V Conservator of ForestsHassan Circle, Hassan.
18-Nov-04
30 Puttabudhi S.M Conservator of ForestsBellary Circle, Kalamma Street,Bellary-583 101.
22-May-03
31 Budihal P L Conservator of ForestsShimoga Circle,Shimoga.
05-Oct-05
32 Shivananda Murthy H G Chief Executive Officer,Zilla Panchayath,Uttara Kannada District,Karwar-581301.
11-Aug-04
33 Annaiah A.M Deputy Conservator of ForestsZilla Panchayath, Kolar.
28-Sep-05
34 Shivanna C.K Conservator of Forests,Chickamagalur Circle,Chickamagalur.
03-Nov-04
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Sl.No.
Name Post held Date ofJoining
35 Srinivasan C Conservator of ForestsField Director, Project Tiger,Mysore.
10-Nov-04
36 Ravindran D.S Conservator of Forests,
On Training (PGPPM)Indian Institute of Management,Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore-560 079.
30-May-05
37 Srikantaiah G.N Conservator of ForestsMysore Circle, Mysore.
18-Nov-04
38 Ajai Misra Conservator of ForestsWorking Plan and Survey,Belgaum.
08-Nov-04
39 Raj Kishore Singh Conservator of ForestsProject Formulation and Planning,Bangalore.
10-Nov-04
40 Shiva Raj Singh Conservator of ForestsWorking Plan, Shimoga.
08-Nov-04
41 Nagaraja Conservator of ForestsWorking Plan,Opposite ITI, Radio Park,Bellary-583 104.
08-Nov-04
42 Abhiyu Singh Conservator of Forests,Working Plan and Survey,Dharwad.
15-Dec-04
43 Purushotham D.S Conservator of ForestsTraining & Eco-tourism,Dharwad.
22-Nov-04
44 Satish G Conservator of ForestsKanara Circle, Sirsi.
27-Jul-05
45 Rajiv Ranjan Conservator of Forestsand Chief Executive Officer,
Zilla Panchayath, Bijapur.
04-Oct-05
46 Harikumar Jha Deputy Conservator of Forests,(Protection and Management)Bangalore.
47 Brijesh Kumar Dikshit Deputy Conservator of Forests,Zilla Panchayath, Hassan.
05-Dec-05
48 Puneet Pathak Deputy Conservator of Forests,Zilla Panchayath, Bellary.
05-Oct-05
49 Prakash H.P Deputy Conservator of ForestsWildlife Division, Dandeli.
02-Jul-03
50 Keshavamurthy A C Deputy Conservator of Forests andSilviculturist, Central Zone,Bangalore.
06-Jan-05
51 Sudharshan G.A Deputy Conservator of ForestsZilla Panchayath, Chickamagalur.
03-Sep-01
52 Vijay Sharma Deputy Conservator of ForestsPlan Monitoring Unit,Western Ghat Project,Vanavikas, Malleswaram,Bangalore.
30-Jun-03
53 Meenakshi Negi Deputy Conservator of Forests(Head Quarters) Bangalore.
20-Oct-05
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Sl.No.
Name Post held Date ofJoining
54 Manoj Kumar Shukla Deputy Conservator of ForestsBellary Division, Bellary.
28-Sep-05
55 Jagat Ram Deputy Conservator of ForestsHaveri Division, Haveri.
31-May-02
56 Anitha S Arekal Deputy Conservator of Forests,Mangalore Division, Mangalore.
01-Feb-05
57 Seema Garg Deputy Conservator of Forestsand Silviculturist, North Zone,Dharwad.
05-Oct-05
58 Jag Mohan Sharma Deputy Conservator of ForestsWildlife Division, Hunsur.
04-Oct-05
59 Ranga Rao G V Deputy Conservator of ForestsKarwar Division, Karwar.
18-Jul-03
60 Awtar Singh Deputy Conservator of ForestsZilla Panchayath, Bijapur.
07-Jul-03
61 Ramachandra Deputy Conservator of ForestsHaliyal Division, Haliyal
03-Jun-02
62 Millo Tago Deputy Conservator of Forests,Gulbarga Division, Gulbarga.
02-May-05
63 Shekar S Deputy Conservator of ForestsHassan Division, Hassan.
06-Jul-02
64 Shanthappa S Deputy Conservator of ForestsTumkur Division, Tumkur.
05-Jan-05
65 Rajkumar Srivatsava Deputy Conservator of Forestsand Silviculturist, Madikeri.
08-Nov-05
66 Dilip Kumar Das Deputy Conservator of ForestsZilla Panchayath, Mangalore-575 006.
17-Jul-03
67 Ravi B P Deputy Conservator of ForestsKoppa Division, Koppa.
05-Nov-05
68 Surya Deo Pathak Deputy Conservator of ForestsGhataprabha Division, Gokak.
07-Jun-02
69 Brijesh Kumar Deputy Conservator of Forests,Shimoga Division, Shimoga.
29-Sep-05
70 Murthy H S S Deputy Conservator of Forests,Zilla Panchayath, Madikeri.
14-Oct-05
71 Kariyappa G S Deputy Conservator of ForestsJ.B.I.C., O/o C.C.F. (Social Forestry),Bangalore.
08-Apr-05
72 Rangegowda Deputy Conservator of ForestsMadikeri Division, Madikeri..
28-May-04
73 Raju R Deputy Conservator of Forests,WildlifeDivision, Sultan Shariff Circle, SathyRoad,Chamarajnagar-571313.
06-Jan-05
74 Radha Devi A Deputy Conservator of ForestsBhadravathi Division,Bhadravathi.
05-Oct-05
75 Prabash Chandra Ray Deputy Conservator of ForestsBidar Division, Bidar-585 401.
01-Aug-03
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Sl.No.
Name Post held Date ofJoining
76 Mahesh B Shirur Deputy Conservator of ForestsYellapur Division, Yellapur.
02-Jul-03
77 Smitha Bijjur Deputy Conservator of ForestsZilla Panchayath, Dharwad.
26-May-02
78 Shanthkumar N L Deputy Conservator of ForestsBangalore Rural Division,Aranya Bhavan, Malleswaram,Bangalore.
24-May-02
79 Srikanth V Hosur Deputy Conservator of ForestsHonnavar Division, Honnavar.
02-Jul-03
80 Parameswar B M Deputy Conservator of ForestsBangalore Urban Division,Aranya Bhavan, Malleswaram,Bangalore
07-Jul-03
81 Jayaramaiah G Deputy Conservator of ForestsSagara Division, Sagara.
01-Oct-05
82 Markandaiah K B Deputy Conser