Row erupts over ‘drawing of salary’ by Boudh wildlife warden

A serious allegation has been brought up against the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Boudh district, Debapriya Kampha. 

Kampha allegedly paid two months’ salary to Arun Kumar Mendili, the honorary wildlife warden (HWW) of Boudh. As per rule, the HWW is not entitled to salary under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 

However, in sharp contrast to the rule, Mendili was reportedly paid Rs 9,450 per month as wage. Mendili allegedly drew the salary for his work under an outsourced security firm. 

As per government rule, the post of HWW is equivalent to that of a DFO. The HWW is appointed for a period of two years. The honorary wildlife warden works for the prevention of poaching, wildlife crime, illegal trade of wildlife and protection of habitat.

Subhendu Mallik, HWW for Khordha district has lodged a complaint in this regard with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) seeking action.

However, Mendili dismissed the allegations and claimed he did not draw any salary since his appointment as HWW in 2021. 

“The HWW post is non-salaried. I have not drawn any salary for holding the post. However, the security firm paid me payment for working as an animal watcher,” claimed Mendili.

The DFO also confirmed that no salary was paid to Mendili. A bill furnished by the security firm was rejected.

“Arun Kumar Mendili was a watcher before being appointed as an honorary wildlife warden. No salary has been given to him for April and May 2022. He was appointed as HWW in June 2021 following the recommendation of a former DFO. He is no longer a watcher,” said DFO Kampha.