The Forest Department has suspended Bipin Kumar Harijan, Forester of the Maidalpur Section under Dabugaon Range in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district.
The stern action comes in the wake of grave allegations involving unauthorised tree felling and financial misdeeds.
Unauthorised Tree Felling Probe
The disciplinary action stems from serious allegations concerning the illegal cutting of Eucalyptus trees along the Deobandh-Jamadarpara stretch. The unauthorised logging reportedly took place during Harijan’s previous tenure as the Forester of the Mohara Section under the Jharigaon Range.
In addition to permitting or facilitating the illegal felling of timber without mandatory departmental permissions, Harijan was implicated in significant financial irregularities tied to local forestry operations.
Unsatisfactory Response Leads to Action
Following preliminary inquiries that corroborated the allegations, the Forest Department issued a formal show-cause notice to Harijan, asking him to clarify his position and account for the missing timber and fiscal discrepancies.
However, departmental sources revealed that his written explanation was found to be evasive and thoroughly unsatisfactory.
Taking a strict stance on official negligence and corruption, the Nabarangpur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) issued formal suspension orders late Friday night.
Further Proceedings Underway
Harijan has been attached to headquarters during his suspension period, and official sources confirm that further departmental proceedings and formal inquiry steps are currently underway to determine the full scope of the financial and environmental damage.
Local environmental activists and community members have welcomed the swift official response, urging authorities to ensure strict accountability and strict enforcement against illegal logging across the district’s forest reserves.
