Gaurav Garg, a 2015 batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, who was serving as deputy conservator of forest in Bhilwara, has been suspended following allegations of tree felling and selling those to alleged coal mafia in Shahpura, Bhilwara.
Garg was posted in Bhilwara since June, 2023. The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has started investigation to the case. The forest department has also initiated enquiry into the alleged involvement of officers in felling of trees across 800 hectares.
Garg had earlier served as deputy conservator of forest in Pali, Abu Road and Udaipur.
What is the case?
The case relates to illegal felling of trees in reserved forest area of Borda village in Shahpura area of Bhilwara district. According to villagers, 500 quintal of wood worth Rs 2 crore were illegally transported from the area after cutting down Babool trees.
Sources said that the illegal activities in forest area were being done in connivance of forest officials. Forester and ranger of the area informed deputy conservator Gaurav Garg also but no action was taken.
P K Upadhyay acting PCCF Head of Forest Force (HOFF) said that action will be taken against officials involved in this illegal felling of trees.
“We have handed over this case to ACB which is probing into every aspect. We are also enquiring at department level. No one will be spared,” he said.
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