Alexander replaces Luthra as eco-tourism board chief

Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board chairman Vinay Luthra has been replaced by former chief secretary and ex-MLA J Alexander.

Luthra is a former Indian Forest Service officer and retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) in 2016.

Alexander was appointed to the post on the orders of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sources in the government said.

P Ravi Kumar, Secretary, Environment, Forest and Ecology said the appointment of Alexander was a political decision.

Luthra was appointed Board chairman on October 27, 2016. He was appointed to the post soon after he retired as PCCF (General). According to Forest Department officials, both, Luthra’s appointment and removal happened in a jiffy.

Alexander, a former IAS officer, said that his posting has nothing to do with IAS vs IFS. He has been appointed to improve and promote eco-tourism. “It is an administrative job and the cadre does not play a role. The government thinks that those who have administrative experience are suitable for the post,” he said.