As against the Union planning commission’s recommendation of 4 per cent allocation for forestry and wildlife sector, the state government, in the 11th five year plan (2007–11), had allotted only 1.51 per cent money. The worst is the situation with the state forestry research centre.
Under the 10th five-year plan, the centre spent a meagre amount of Rs 7.43 crore for research works as against the recommended Rs 87 crore.
According to the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) of India report the department was denied of adequate funding and sanctions.
Though Rs 26 crore was allocated for research and geographical information system during the 11th annual plan, the department provided Rs 11.06 crore for the information system. And there is no reason
for the shortfall in provision of funds for the research works. The CAG report also stated that the Tamil Nadu Forest Academy at Coimbatore failed to train its staff, particularly the rangers.
Of the total range officers only 73 per cent were trained and the principal chief conservator of forests explained that 54 rangers of the total 590 were not trained as they had crossed 53 years of age.
The shortfall was attributed to lack of sufficient infrastructure facilities in the academy. “Irrespective of any regime, the forest department continues to be a neglected.
Though the police department enjoys so much power and allocation of funds, foresters are often left in the lurch.
Even proper uniforms and shoes do not reach our guards and watchers,” lamented a senior forest range official, who had served in Chennai circle.