Govt orders probe into Zoological Survey of India functioning

Union Minister of Environment and Forests (MoEF) Prakash Javadekar has ordered a probe into irregularities in the functioning of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). “The CAG has pointed out some irregularities in ZSI functioning. We are probing the matter,” he said.

Sources said the MoEF has observed gross irregularities – in terms of unplanned scientific tours, causing unwarranted expenses and other mismanagement – in ZSI, leading to an internal inquiry.

It was learnt that several projects related to ecosystems and reserved areas during 2005-06 and 2011-12 caused over Rs 50-crore (approximately) loss to the national exchequer. The assessment of mismanagement from 2005 to 2015 in monetary terms could be more. It was also found that during these periods scientists went on 300 tours to carry out research work, which they were reportedly not asked to do.

In 2009, the Ministry had constituted a task force to strengthen the institutional mechanisms of ZSI, including its objectives and functioning. ZSI was asked to update and standardise the survey manual, dealing with scientific classification of groups of species through expert consultations. However, it was found that no such “useful” manual was drafted, despite the task force’s recommendation.

The CAG’s observation revealed that out of 300 tours, at least 100 were related to ecosystems and the rest were meant for reserved areas.

Also, there was no standard format of the tour reports. Though it was submitted to ZSI director, a formal approval of the competent authority was not recorded. 

The basic quantitative methodologies adopted in surveys – including <g data-gr-id="66">area</g> to be covered, faunal diversity <g data-gr-id="68">assessment,<g data-gr-id="67">risk</g></g> of species and field identification – were also not listed in 18 out of 20 reports.

In respect to another project – GIS-based mapping and analysis of ecological variable of reefs around Little Andaman Island as approved by the Ministry at a cost of Rs 22 lakh (approx) – could not be initiated due to some glitch. The project was supposed to start in 2012 and the fund for it was sanctioned in 2008. But, it was found that ZSI had already incurred an expenditure of Rs 14.96 lakh a year before the project was supposed to be <g data-gr-id="73">start</g>.