In a move that has raised eyebrows, a professor of a Bengaluru-based private engineering college has been appointed the Director (Technical Cell) of the Department of Forest, Environment and Ecology, a post traditionally held by an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer.
By default, the Director of Technical Cell is the member-secretary of State-level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), a body that overlooks environment clearance, and member-secretary of Karnataka Coastal Zone Management Authority. Interestingly, the Karnataka High Court is also hearing a case related to the formation of SEAC itself.
The appointment of the professor of Chemical Engineering in a Bengaluru-based engineering college was notified on Monday till further orders. The post had been vacant after R. Gokul had been transferred.
Earlier, the government withdrew the transfer order of Sunil Panwar, who was on January 21 appointed as the Chief Conservator of Forests and Director (Technical Cell) in place of Mr. Gokul, who had completed two years in the post. Mr. Panwar’s transfer from being the Chief Conservator of Forest, Kalaburgi circle, was cancelled on January 24, without citing any reason.
Sources aware of the development said that the appointment has come without calling for any application that would have otherwise laid down conditions and eligibility for the post and ensured transparency. “There was no publicity before the post was filled. Without maintaining transparency, the government has allowed lateral entry.”
Published – January 28, 2025 11:14 pm IST
