Rising vacancies turn wildlife frontline porous in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Gaping vacancies in the frontline of the 12 wildlife divisions in Karnataka at a time of rising elephant and tiger population has put the Forest Department in a tricky spot.

Karnataka prides itself as the state with the highest number of elephants (6,395) in the country and second highest number of tigers (563). Apart from five tiger reserves (Bandipur, Bhadra, BRT, Kali and Nagarahole), its seven protected areas are home to a rich diversity of fauna and flora.

The last five years have seen an increase in the vacancies in the frontline staff of the department. In key wildlife areas, the problems are acute as guards and watchers that compose the frontline play a crucial role in detecting forest and wildlife crimes and containing conflict situations, including rescuing stray animals.

Against the sanctioned posts of 1,559 forest guards, a whopping 1,028 (66%) were lying vacant as of September 2024. Of the 723 posts of forest watchers, 621 (86%) were lying vacant. About 30% of the 429 posts of Deputy Range Forest Officers (Deputy RFO) and 15% of the RFO posts were also vacant.

"On one hand, conservation has been made an emotional issue with the department forced to intervene to save wildlife and thereby stopping nature from taking its own course. On the other hand, we are left with a declining number of persons on the frontline, especially those skilled persons who had traditional knowledge about forest. In terms of conflict, we will have major challenges from elephants and leopards in the next 10 years," a senior forest official said.

Elephants accounted for 21,305 (61%) of the 34,832 conflict incidents reported in the 2024-25 till December. They accounted for 65% of the 50,236 incidents and 66% of the 47,287 in 2023-24 and 2022-23, respectively. Leopards accounted for about 9-10% of the incidents in all the three years.

Casualties on both sides have been a concern. For instance, the forest department last month revealed that 50 elephants have been electrocuted in the last four years. The finding of elephant skeletons months after the death of the animal in BRT and Bhadra tiger reserves had also put the department in a spot.

A divisional-level officer said in places like Hassan and Virajpet troubled by elephant conflict, the presence of frontline staff helps prevent unnecessary complexities. "Right now, many of these posts are filled with outsourced staffers. There is no way one can bring accountability in the department without skilled regular personnel," he said.

To a question, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Subhash K Malkhede said the restarting of recruitment drives recently has made some improvement. "We definitely need all the people on the frontline. The vacancy in the positions of guards and watchers needs to be filled. Regular recruitment drives, which have recently begun, will hopefully address the issue," he said.

Forest officials believe technology can only complement an efficient watcher or a guard. In protected areas with so many variables, the frontline staff play a major role in detection and seizure. "Frontline staff, especially one with knowledge of the forest and wildlife, are crucial in protecting the wildlife and preventing deaths in conflict situations. Over the last few years, the department has been hiring people by giving importance to merit scores in exams. These recruits turn out to be smart but have no practical knowledge of forest and wildlife," another officer said.

Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said filling vacancies has been one of his priorities. "In October, we filled 267 posts. The government has approved filling an additional 540 posts of frontline staff but the recruitment has been held up due to the delay in the examination process by the agencies concerned. I will also request the chief minister for additional funds to fill other vacancies in crucial posts," he said.

Khandre also noted the need for skilled labour. "We had a situation when some officers approached the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal to challenge the department's orders transferring them to the Elephant Task Force. This won't do. We need to hire locals who are skilled in handling their work," he said.

Sans strength Forest guards Sanctioned posts: 1,559 Vacant: 1,028 (66%) Forest watchers Sanctioned posts: 723 Vacant: 621 (86%) Also 30% of Deputy Range Forest Officer posts 15% of RFO posts