THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) reported widespread irregularities and misappropriation of revenue generated at ecotourism centres operating under the Kerala Forest department. The report is based on state-wide surprise inspections conducted by the VACB in Kerala.
During state-wide raids under Operation Jungle Safari, the Vigilance detected misappropriation of funds sanctioned by the Central and State governments for construction projects intended for forest management. Inspections were conducted at all Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) functioning under the 35 divisional forest offices in Kerala, 38 selected ecotourism centres, various Eco-Development Committees (EDCs), and Vana Samrakshana Samithis (VSS).
While fees ranging from ₹40 to ₹2,000 are collected from tourists for various purposes, including entry to ecotourism centres via electronic ticketing devices, Vigilance officials found that several EDC/VSS office-bearers have not returned accounted for nor deposited in the respective bank accounts.
Reports indicate that staff at the Anamudi VSS in Idukki issued tickets to visitors without receipt numbers and seals. At Vanasree and other outlets run by the EDC in Eravikulam National Park in Idukki and the Athirappilly FDA in Thrissur, bills for goods sold were not issued. Significant discrepancies were found in accounts at various places, including the Ananganmala eco-shop under the Palakkad divisional forest office.
The raids revealed instances in which staff members responsible for managing the parking grounds of the Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation at Anachal were collecting fees through Google Pay payments into their personal accounts.
Unusual financial transactions were traced to the account of the section forest officer in Kottayam FDA via Google Pay over the past six months. Further suspicious cash transfers were detected upon scrutinizing the bank accounts of employees managing entry and transportation fee counters at Thekkady’s boating facility. Indicating a nexus with private players, individuals closely associated with the hotel and tourism sectors were found receiving nearly ₹40,000 a month.
Inspectors examining the FDA at the Thiruvananthapuram divisional forest office discovered an amount of ₹35,500 recorded to have been paid by the Kallar-Meenmutti VSS last month, which has not been credited to the bank account of the FDA’s chief executive officer.
The investigators also found that most FDAs, VSSs, and EDCs failed to maintain cash books for recording day-to-day transactions. The Vigilance reported that the lack of regular audits by the state Forest department contributes to such dire situations. They highlighted the department’s plans to continue such inspections in the coming days.
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