"Wildlife conservation has to take support from forest conservation only, so the two could not be separated. Hence a proposal to split the Indian Forest Services (IFS) into two have been shot down," Director General (Forest) Dileep Kumar said.
There had been constant demand from various NGOs to split the IFS into two services, claiming the move would ensure better management of wildlife and forest sector.
Kumar, however, made it clear that the government has no plans to do so, at least in the near future.
He also exhorted the field directors to develop wildlife management in a way which uses the stake of local communities.
"We have to be in touch with our people continuously, find ways not to create a sense of antagonism with local communities continuously. Forest department has a very characteristic way of functioning, as it is marked by high degree of isolation.
"This makes them highly dependent on local communities," the official pointed out.
He said as a small step in the direction of creating specialisation and expertise in the forest service, the ministry is planning to start three fellowships-- Hari Singh Fellowship for fresh officers, S K Fellowship and C. Ranganath Fellowship.
Kumar also pointed out that a total seven officers who passed out this year from IFS and have shown more than extraordinary interest and aptitude in wildlife, have been identified and selected for specialised training in wildlife management.
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