The Forest Department suspended three frontline officials in Keonjhar for dereliction of duty and administrative lapses linked to forest fire management and crop damage assessment.
The suspended officials include Pramod Behera, Forester, who faced action for administrative negligence and laxity in forest fire management. Biswaranjan Mishra, Forester, Ghatgaon, was suspended for unauthorised absence and delay in patrolling and fire control. Hrudananda Mohanty, Forest Guard, was suspended for repeated absence and negligence in assessing crop damage caused by elephants in Patna.
Officials said the suspensions reflect the department’s effort to strengthen accountability and improve forest management practices in Keonjhar. The move comes amid rising concerns over forest fires and human-elephant conflict in the district.
