The Animal and Nature Ethics Community (ANEC) Trust, a Kochi-based wildlife conservation organisation, has sought an independent inquiry into alleged irregularities in a Nabard-funded Forest department building at Olavakode, Palakkad.In a representation to L. Chandrasekhar, additional principal chief conservator of forests, the trust questioned a proposal to accommodate the Wildlife Circle office in a building sanctioned for the Eastern Circle office and the Custodian of Vested Forests.

It alleged that verbal instructions had been issued to demolish completed record rooms to create space.“The approved plan and funding conditions must be checked before any changes are made,” said Santhosh T.S., the trust’s legal representative.The trust questioned whether the proposed changes had received approval from the State government and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard).‘Might affect safe storage’The record rooms were intended to store more than 3,000 files related to vested forest cases, some dating back to 1974. The trust warned that altering the rooms could affect the safe storage and retrieval of documents needed for legal proceedings.“These records are needed for court cases.

The record rooms must be protected until the required approvals are verified,” Mr. Santhosh said.The representation also raised a possible conflict of interest, noting that the Chief Conservators of Forests (CCFs) heading the Eastern and Wildlife circles are spouses.

It sought a review of whether the relevant conduct rules and procedures had been followed.The trust questioned the need for more space, noting that the Eastern Circle office has about 40 permanent staff and the Wildlife Circle office 15. It called for an assessment of space requirements and alternative accommodation before changing the approved plan.Seeks verificationIt also sought verification of the sanctioned plan, project estimate, tender documents and communications with the contractor.

The trust called for a halt to demolition until the necessary approvals are confirmed and sought protection for staff who provided information against retaliation or harassment.“We want an impartial inquiry based on records and safeguards for staff who cooperate,” Mr. Santhosh said.

Published - October 25, 2026 06:50 pm IST