JORABAT, July 26 - The Sonapur forest range under Kamrup East Forest Division is struggling to carry out its duties in the region under its jurisdiction as it is facing an acute shortage of staff.
With two beat offices (Marakhdola and Topatoli) and three sub-beats (Kolongpar, Nortap and Jokaikona) under it, the Sonapur forest range is at present controlled by just 29 staff members. The 29 staffers have to carry out the practically unmanageable job of safeguarding five reserve forests (RFs) and three proposed reserve forests (PRFs).
The five RFs spread over 7,873.58 hectares are West Aprikula RF (6,075 hectares), Marakdola RF (1,426 hectares), Matapahar RF (225 hectares), Chamata RF (27 hectares) and Teteliaguri RF (120.58 hectares). The three proposed reserve forests spread over 11,596.46 hectares are East Aprikula PRF (10,622 hectares), Garowani PRF (516 hectares) and Hahara PRF (458.46 hectares).
The Sonapur forest range is one of the finest areas on the city outskirts, having rich bio-diversity and a considerable wildlife population of various species.
However, it is becoming difficult for the forest department to ensure protection of the reserved area due to shortage of staff.
As per data available, at present only one range officer, five foresters-I and one forester- II, 10 forest guards and 12 fixed pay staffers are posted at the Sonapur forest range office to control the beats, sub-beats and the reserve forests. On top of that, two staffers have been withdrawn for some other duty.
A forest department official said that immediate posting of employees against the required posts is required for the smooth running of the forest range. Urgent steps by the administration are also necessary for infrastructure upgradation.
Meanwhile, viewing the acute shortage of staff, environmentalists are apprehensive that illegal activities may rise with impunity in the forest range.
