Internal sources within the department reveal the precarious staffing situation.

Currently, there are only five PCCF-level officers available, but two are already on deputation outside the State. With the retirement of B.P. Gupta expected within a month, the number will drop to four.

The situation is set to become more acute in about seven months when Principal Chief Conservator Ranjan Kumar Mishra retires, leaving only three officers at the PCCF level: Kapil Lal, Nina Grewal, and S.P. Subuddhi.

The deficit extends down the hierarchy.

At the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) rank, only six officers exist, three of whom are on deputation. This leaves just three APCCFs actively serving in the State.

While the rank below, Chief Forest Conservator (CCF), currently has nine officers, several are serving on central or state deputations.

However, two new CCFs are expected soon following promotions.

The shortage is significantly impacting crucial field postings. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted the strain at the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) level, considered vital for field operations.

"We are currently forced to assign double charges to officers or rely on acting DFOs in several divisions across the state," the source revealed.

The department has seen about six PCCF-level officers retire in the last eighteen months alone, exacerbating the current shortfall.

Despite the admitted scarcity, Principal Chief Conservator Ranjan Kumar Mishra remains optimistic about the existing team.

He commented, "The department has highly responsible and capable officers. They will be deployed effectively across the various positions available in the department."

The administration is now under pressure to implement the promised "separate formula" swiftly to ensure the protection and management of Uttarakhand's precious green cover are not compromised.