PANAJI
A day after Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane distanced himself from the abrupt closure of Bondla Zoo, the department on Wednesday issued a show cause notice to Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Naveen Kumar and ordered a departmental inquiry into the matter.
The notice, issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) came after instructions from the minister, who alleged that the officer had failed to properly brief seniors regarding the closure of the zoo.
“I have strictly instructed the PCCF to issue a show cause notice along with a departmental inquiry against the Conservator of Forests for closing the zoo for a month without any intimation. I have already briefed the Chief Minister (Pramod Sawant) regarding the matter,” Rane told reporters.
Taking a dig at some forest officials, the minister said that they need to be proactive on the ground. “Forest officers should be on the field instead of sitting in air-conditioned cabins. We are also aware of the situation and have been visiting the sites... But the matter was not briefed properly,” he said, adding that the Director General of Forests will be approached for a detailed report on Kumar.
On Tuesday, Rane confirmed that he was unaware of the zoo’s closure until the matter came to light. He thereafter assured strict action and an explanation from the concerned officer.
Bondla Zoo has remained closed since April 1 after three civet cats and two jungle cats reportedly died due to a suspected viral infection. The Forest Department sent samples of the deceased animals to a laboratory in Bhopal for testing. Officials have stated that the zoo will remain closed until the test reports confirm that the infection does not pose a further threat. In the meantime, all other animals have been placed under quarantine.
