RIA Manual

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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


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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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

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