Himachal confidential

Jungle boys

Himachal8217;s forest department, unable to check illegal fellings, was exploring the idea of setting-up forest thanas. The department also wanted forest conservators to be given powers of commissioners to remove forest encroachments. However, they were in for a surprise before the proposal could be put in back and white. An IAS officer, posted as secretary forests was given additional charge of commissioner, Kangra division, leaving the forest officers lobby red faced.

CM makes Vajpayee happy

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has earned appreciation of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Few days back Vajpayee wrote a letter to Dhumal expressing his happiness over the BJP government8217;s performance chart. What actually moved Vajpayee was Dhumal8217;s proposal on strategic Manali-Leh railway line. 8220; The Himachal CM deserves my appreciations as he thought of an issue which is of national significance,8221; Vajpayee wrote.

Duty comes first

Himachal may not be in the election mode this November but IAS officers are going to have gruelling days ahead. Nearly two dozen bureaucrats from the state have been picked up by the EC for their duties as poll observers in different states, including J038;K, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and MP. Those going to militancy hit parts of Kashmir or naxal-affected Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are particularly a worried lot . 8220;It is the call of duty and not an issue of absolute choice,8221; said one.