The Vigilance Wing is headed by Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Vigilance) and is assisted by a Conservator of Forests (Vigilance) at the headquarters. There are 11 Deputy Conservator of Forests of Forest Mobile Squads across the State. Along with Territorial and Wildlife Staff, the Forest Mobile Squads help in detection and prevention of timber smuggling and poaching. The staff of Forest Mobile squads undertake patrolling in their respective jurisdiction during daytime and also during night. Department has placed 161 check posts at strategic locations to prevent transit of illegal forest produce, 4 of these check posts are under control of FMS, Bengaluru.
Department has supplied 331 static, 441 mobile and 2305 walkie talkie sets to the field staff for effective communication in hostile terrain. As a preventive measure and as a safeguard against wild animals the staff is provided with arms and ammunition. The weapons that have been supplied are 55 Revolvers, 27 Pistols, 600 Slide Action Guns, 395 Rifles, 1027 Double Barrel Guns and 41 other weapons.
To receive complaints, information from the general public of the State, the Karnataka Forest Department is in process of establishing helpline at Aranya Bhavan, Bengaluru. Toll Free No.1926 is already allotted for the purpose to the department. The Forest Mobile Squads had 322 Forest Offence Cases pending during 2016 - 17. During the year 2017-18, 704 Forest Offence cases were detected. 779 offence cases were disposed off and Rs. 139.20 lakhs revenue was realized by the Forest Mobile Squads.
The vigilance works undertaken by the wing include enquiry of various petitions received by the department and verifying the authenticity of the same. In case of veracity of truth, action against the erring officials is recommended to the competent higher authorities.
(For more details, please download the Karnataka Forest Department annual report 2017 - 18, from
aranya.gov.in)
