Chennai, India: Against the Union Planning Commission’s recommendation of 4 percent allocation for forestry and wildlife sector, the Tamil Nadu state government in India, during the 11th five year plan (2007–11), had allotted only 1.51 percent money, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India report.
The report explained that though INR 26 crore was allocated for research and GIS system during the 11th annual plan, the department provided INR 11.06 crore. And there is no reason for the shortfall in provision of funds for the research works. The 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 percent 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.
Moreover, under the 10th five-year plan, the centre spent a meagre amount of INR 7.43 crore for research works as against the recommended INR 87 crore.
Source: Deccan Chronicle
