M F AHMAD
Daltonganj, July 3: Congress MLA Manika Ramchander Singh on Sunday expressed his wish that the Palamu tiger reserve is handled by some officers who are not only well versed in the management of wildlife but know how to establish a rapport with the villagers in and around the region. The Congress MLA said he has apprised Chief Minister Hemant Soren in this regard.
“If our government is interested in saving the Betla National Park or the tiger reserve, then it is time to issue marching orders to all those top officers here who have more than two years of stint here. Presently, two of the deputy directors of the North and South divisions have around three years here,” he said.
The chief minister is incidentally the forest, environment, and climate change minister as well.
The MLA said he has reasons for demanding the ouster of the officers who are nearing three years of their tenure in the PTR alluding to the deputy director of North division Kumar Ashish and deputy director of South division Mukesh Kumar.
The Congress MLA further said that the PTR acts like it is a different institution altogether on the planet here and that it has nothing to do with the people around. He also said that he has urged the CM to send in here people that are wildlife friendly so that people’s participation in the management of the PTR can be strengthened.
Singh remembered the now retired DFO, S E H Kazmi, saying he is still remembered by the villagers for his approach. Singh further added that he wished the PTR officials be good towards its wildlife and people around it, as neglecting one for the other may be hazardous for both.
Congress MLA also reminded that PTR continues to be a stumbling block in Laat, Ganeshpur area where a cellular tower has not been fixed due to PTR, resulting in several hardships for the public distribution shop dealers and the ration card holders of the area.
He said in a very unequivocal tone that if PTR management harasses the residents, they have the right to get them recalled by their department in Ranchi.
However, the Congress MLA appreciated the work being done by the PTR management for the relocation of the two villages Latu and Kujrum. He said the people of Latu and Kujrum themselves desire this and the PTR management is working in a transparent manner. He said no one should doubt the intention of PTR in the relocation of the two villages.
“Aranga lagana, baat baat pr case kar na (Causing impediment and instituting case on a mere drop of hat) has alienated the present set up of the higher officers of the PTR from the rural populace said the MLA.
