Jaipur: A major controversy has erupted within Rajasthan’s Forest Department after serious allegations of corruption and irregularities surfaced against two senior Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) posted in Alwar and Sariska. The matter gained significant attention after a formal complaint submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) prompted the state administration to initiate an official inquiry.
The allegations involve irregular mining clearances near the ecologically sensitive Sariska Tiger Reserve and an alleged multi-crore scam linked to plantation and soil conservation works in Alwar district.
PMO Complaint Triggers Administrative Action
The complaint was filed by Jaipur-based businessman Kamalendra Singh, who accused senior forest officials of misuse of authority, financial irregularities, and manipulation of official records.
After the complaint reached the Prime Minister’s Office, the matter was forwarded to Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, who subsequently directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Pawan Kumar Upadhyay, to initiate a formal investigation into the allegations.
The state government has now constituted a two-member inquiry committee to examine the charges in detail.
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Sariska DFO Accused of Issuing ‘Incorrect’ Mining Distance Certificates
One of the central allegations is against Sariska DFO Abhimanyu Saharan.
According to the complaint, Saharan allegedly issued incorrect distance certificates related to five mining sites, enabling their operations to resume despite environmental concerns surrounding their proximity to the Sariska sanctuary area.
The complaint claims that the distance details mentioned in the certificates contradicted information previously submitted by the Rajasthan government before the Supreme Court through an official affidavit.
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Environmental experts note that mining activity near protected forest zones and wildlife sanctuaries remains a highly sensitive issue, particularly in regions surrounding the Sariska Tiger Reserve, which has long faced ecological pressure due to illegal mining and encroachments.
Alwar DFO Accused in ₹18 Crore Plantation and Soil Conservation Scam
The second major allegation involves Alwar DFO Rajendra Hooda.
The complaint accuses Hooda of large-scale financial irregularities amounting to nearly ₹18 crore in plantation drives and soil conservation projects carried out under the forest department.
The complainant alleges that significant discrepancies exist between official records and the actual execution of plantation and conservation work on the ground. Investigators are expected to examine project approvals, expenditure records, contractor involvement, and field implementation details during the probe.
Businessman’s ₹1 Crore Challenge Draws Attention
One of the most unusual aspects of the case is the confidence displayed by complainant Kamalendra Singh.
In a move that has attracted considerable public and administrative attention, Singh reportedly attached a cheque worth ₹1 crore along with his complaint and publicly stated that the government could seize the amount if his allegations were proven false.
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The gesture is being viewed as an attempt to underline the seriousness of the accusations and increase pressure for an impartial inquiry.
Two-Member Inquiry Committee Formed
The Rajasthan Forest Department has formed a two-member investigation panel to conduct a detailed examination of the allegations.
The committee includes:
- Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Uday Shankar
- Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Chanda Ram Meena
Officials confirmed that the inquiry panel has been instructed to submit a detailed report within seven days.
The committee is expected to review documentary evidence, departmental records, environmental clearances, financial transactions, and field-level implementation reports before submitting its findings to the state government.
Focus on Transparency and Accountability
The case has once again highlighted concerns regarding environmental governance, mining regulation, and financial transparency within government departments in Rajasthan.
Political observers believe the PMO’s involvement has increased the sensitivity of the matter, putting pressure on authorities to ensure a transparent and credible investigation.
Environmental activists and anti-corruption groups are also closely monitoring the developments, particularly the allegations linked to Sariska, one of Rajasthan’s most ecologically important protected areas.
Further action against the accused officials is likely to depend on the findings of the inquiry committee in the coming days.
