Dehradun, Aug. 19 -- The Centre has sought action taken report in the construction of Eco Huts at Munsiyari Pithoragarh, for allegedly violating provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 on the basis of a report sent by Sanjiv Chaturvedi, chief conservator of forests (Working Plan). In a letter on August 13, Dehradun-based Regional Office of the Union environment ministry, the Centre has directed to principal secretary of state forest department to send a detailed Action Taken Report against the violators as well details of the violations. HT has a copy of the letter. The state sought explanation from Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Vinay Bhargav on July 18 over allegations of financial irregularities committed during his tenure as Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Pithoragarh. The alleged irregularities include the construction of concrete structures without prior sanction and approval of competent officials in the reserved forest in Munsiyari range of Pithoragarh forest division in 2019, choosing a Haldwani-based private firm for supplying construction material and making payment to it without a tender process and clearance from competent authorities. Bhargav is currently serving as Conservator of Forests (Western Circle). The letter stated, "State Government is requested to submit a detailed Violation Report under Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. A detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) against the violators by the State government. Names of the persons or authorities or organisation responsible for the violation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 shall be identified and submitted for taking action under section 3A/3B of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA)." The letter further stated, "The State Government to send proposal nominating an officer of the rank of Divisional Forest Officer and above of the State government to file complaints against the such persons or authority or organization, prima facie found guilty of offence under the Act per the provisions under the Sub-Rule 15 (1) of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023". :. The letter mentioned that these actions are being initiated after getting report of Sanjiv Chaturvedi, Chief Conservator of Forests (Working Plan), on August 8 through email . In his report, Chaturvedi had alleged that the then Pithoragarh DFO, Vinay Bhargav, was responsible for these violations. When contacted to comment on the matter, Vinay Bhargav said, "The already established Munsiyari Eco Park along with dilapidated permanent structures built by Research wing, Uttarakhand were officially transferred to the Pithoragarh Forest Division by the order of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) on October 14, 2015. As DFO Pithoragarh, in 2019 we only carried out limited renovation, upgradation and modification of these already existing permanent structures, and did not construct any new permanent structures". He said, "As per the relevant provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, construction of eco-tourism facilities, and similar activities are permissible within forest areas, provided they are part of the duly approved Forest Working Plan, Wildlife Management Plan or Tiger Conservation Plan of that area. These activities are specifically excluded from the definition of 'non-forest purpose', and hence do not require separate clearance under the Act." "Therefore, the renovation, upgradation and utilisation of already existing permanent structures for nature education, eco-tourism and interpretation purposes in Munsiyari, as per provisions of approved Working Plan are fully in line with the legal provisions and framework of the FCA. Any attempt to present such works as violations is not only misleading but also ignores the very intent of the law which encourages community based eco-tourism and conservation-linked infrastructure within forests under approved Working Plan," he added....