Farmers in Udumalpet are facing difficulties due to the presence of two Forest Range Officers in the same office. The situation has arisen from a court order, causing confusion about whom to approach with complaints.
Tirupur: The Udumalpet Forest Range office in Tirupur district, which oversees part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, is currently in a state of confusion with two Forest Range Officers (FROs) operating simultaneously. This unusual situation has left farmers and the public perplexed about whom to approach with their grievances.
The issue began when Sivakumar, the original FRO of Udumalpet, was transferred to Chennai a few days ago.
Manikandan was subsequently appointed as the new FRO. However, Sivakumar reportedly filed a case in the Chennai High Court against the Forest Department, claiming that his transfer was made before completing his three-year tenure. The court is said to have ordered that Sivakumar continue as the Udumalpet FRO.
As a result, both Sivakumar and Manikandan are now functioning as FROs in the same office, with separate desks and chairs. This has created confusion among the public and farmers, who are unsure about whom to approach with their complaints, particularly regarding wildlife-related issues.
Farmers have raised concerns about how to seek compensation for damages caused by wild animals and whom to report such incidents to. They fear that this lack of clear leadership could potentially compromise the protection of forests and wildlife in the area.
Moreover, the situation has financial implications as well. Taxpayers' money is being used to pay salaries for two officers in the same position, which farmers view as wasteful expenditure.
Local farmers are urging senior Forest Department officials to clearly identify and communicate to the public whether Sivakumar or Manikandan is the official FRO of Udumalpet. They stress that this clarification is crucial for effective administration and to address the concerns of the local community.