Photo used for indicative purpose only. source: Internet
DFO-cleared inquiry under scanner: Vigilance angle emerges in Himachal Eco-Tourism collections, Fresh probe ordered
Shimla, April 19
A controversy involving alleged illegal collections in the name of eco-tourism in Himachal Pradesh has deepened into a multi-layered legal and administrative dispute, with a departmental inquiry exonerating forest officials even as police have formally flagged corruption angles and referred the matter to the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB), alongside recording allegations of criminal intimidation.
At the centre of the dispute is an internal inquiry conducted under the authority of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kotgarh—himself named in the complaint—which concluded that no financial irregularities had occurred. The inquiry report states that collections amounting to over ₹11.5 lakh across three financial years were duly accounted for, deposited in official banking channels, and transferred to the Circle Level Eco-Tourism Management Society (CLEMTS), Rampur, in line with administrative approvals and directions linked to eco-tourism regulation.
The report further maintains that entry fees—fixed at ₹50 per visitor—were imposed to regulate tourist inflow in forest areas in compliance with judicial directions, and that “no portion of the collected amount has been misappropriated or retained at the field level.” It attributes discrepancies such as the use of receipt books bearing the name of an Eco Development Committee (EDC) to an “inadvertent error” during a period when registration formalities were underway.
However, this clean chit stands in sharp contrast to a formal police diary entry recorded at Kumarsain police station on April 16, which documents allegations of illegal collections being made in the name of entities that were allegedly not registered. The complainant, Ranvijay Singh, has submitted documentary material including receipts and communication records to support claims that funds were collected under the names of an Eco Development Committee and a circle-level eco-tourism society without legal backing.
The complaint further alleges that senior forest officials issued verbal instructions for such collections and names both the DFO Kotgarh and the Chief Conservator of Forests, Shimla Circle, as key actors. It goes a step further in alleging criminal intimidation, claiming that threats were issued to withdraw the complaint, including warnings of false implication in fabricated cases. These allegations have been separately taken cognisance of by police.
Significantly, while the departmental inquiry asserts procedural compliance and financial propriety, the police have treated the matter as potentially involving corruption and have forwarded relevant aspects to the SV&ACB for an independent probe. The divergence between the administrative findings and the police action has raised serious questions about institutional neutrality and procedural fairness.
The issue is further complicated by allegations that the inquiry process itself may be vitiated by bias. The complainant has questioned the legality of an inquiry being conducted under the direction of an office who is himself named in the complaint, arguing that such a process violates the foundational principles of natural justice, particularly the rule against bias (nemo judex in causa sua).
Local stakeholders and former panchayat representatives have echoed these concerns, describing the situation as “unfortunate” and calling for an impartial investigation. Political reactions have also emerged, with calls for a wider probe into the functioning of eco-tourism mechanisms and alleged misuse of forest-linked revenue streams.
Taking cognisance of the matter, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has ordered a fresh inquiry, directing the Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Home) to re-examine the case. The minister has acknowledged that if an accused officer was involved in the inquiry process, it would be inconsistent with principles of natural justice. He has stated that the matter will be reinvestigated and appropriate action taken based on findings.
The evolving situation now places the case squarely within the legal domain, with potential implications spanning administrative law, anti-corruption statutes, and criminal jurisprudence.
With vigilance authorities expected to independently assess the financial and procedural aspects, and the possibility of judicial intervention not ruled out by the complainant, the case may test both institutional accountability and the regulatory framework governing eco-tourism in the state.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
