India, July 3 -- The Pune forest department is reeling under a financial crisis which is severely hampering its routine operations, especially at a time when monsoon-related responsibilities like plantation drives are at their peak. According to forest officials, delay in the disbursal of funds is the main reason behind the ongoing disruption. No funds have been released since March 2024 before which the forest department was receiving Rs.3 crore every year. With the department having provision only till June 2024, all routine maintenance work thereafter has been hindered. So much so that several forest range offices are struggling to meet basic operational expenses including fuel, staff allowances, and routine patrolling; raising concern...