SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to review the deployment of wildlife personnel and ensure that professionally trained officers are posted in the field to strengthen wildlife and habitat conservation.
In a representation submitted to the Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi called for need-based deployment of Assistant Conservators of Forests (Wildlife), Grade-I Range Officers (Wildlife) and other qualified personnel.
The group said the Wildlife Department has a pool of trained officers with specialised qualifications and field experience whose expertise should be utilised in wildlife protection, habitat management, wetland conservation, anti-poaching operations and management of protected areas.
According to the representation, officers possessing qualifications such as a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science or a Diploma in Wildlife Management, along with field experience, are trained in wildlife monitoring, biodiversity assessment, human-wildlife conflict management, wildlife rescue, wildlife crime prevention and the use of technologies such as GPS, GIS and camera trapping.
EPG said wildlife conservation is primarily a field-based activity requiring the regular presence of experienced personnel in protected areas, wildlife ranges, conservation reserves and other ecologically sensitive locations.
The organisation also highlighted concerns over the condition of wetlands, which it said are facing increasing pressure from encroachments and other human activities. It argued that trained wildlife personnel could contribute to monitoring wetland boundaries, documenting ecological changes and supporting timely conservation and restoration measures.
The group expressed concern over what it described as the prolonged attachment of technically qualified wildlife personnel to offices, particularly against non-existent or temporary positions. It alleged that such attachments had increased since January 2024, with a large number of officers posted in Directorate and Regional Offices.
EPG urged the government to review these arrangements and, where there is no continuing administrative requirement, redeploy officers to field assignments in accordance with their qualifications, specialisation and experience.
Referring to the growing incidence of human-wildlife conflict, the organisation said experienced field officers were needed to verify incidents, identify conflict-prone areas, coordinate with local communities and develop long-term mitigation strategies.
It also stressed the role of field staff in preventing poaching, illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking through surveillance, intelligence gathering, patrolling and coordination with law enforcement agencies.
Among its recommendations, EPG sought a comprehensive review of existing postings, including the duration and justification of office attachments, the status of positions against which officers are attached, duties being performed, professional qualifications and field experience of officers, and staffing requirements in wildlife divisions, ranges and protected areas.
The group also proposed a periodic review mechanism to ensure transparent and effective deployment of qualified personnel.
“Wildlife conservation requires professional expertise as well as sustained field presence. The department must ensure that qualified personnel are deployed where their knowledge and experience can directly contribute to protection, conservation and management of wildlife habitats and wetlands,” the representation stated.
EPG said rational deployment of wildlife officers would strengthen field conservation efforts, improve protection of vulnerable habitats and wetlands and ensure more effective utilisation of public resources.
