Nashik: 75% Of Approved Budget For Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres Withheld
Nagpur/Nashik: Serious questions have once again been raised over the functioning of the Forest Department, an agency that frequently makes announcements on paper about the treatment and rehabilitation of wild animals injured or disabled due to human-wildlife conflict and accidents. A substantial budget of ₹152.60 crore was sanctioned for an ambitious scheme to establish rehabilitation centres…
The Forest Department in Nashik and Nashik, Nagpur, have come under scrutiny over the allocation of a ₹152.60 crore budget for wildlife rehabilitation centres approved for the 2026-27 financial year. However, only ₹39.68 crore was sanctioned, leaving 75% of the funds withheld. This decision has sparked serious questions about the Forest Department's planning capabilities and administrative efficiency.
Between May 15, 2026, and August 7, 2026, correspondence was exchanged twelve times between Nagpur headquarters and Nashik regarding proposals and funding requests. Despite these efforts, proposals worth crores of rupees were cut due to planning flaws and lack of administrative approvals at the district level. Out of the 23 Forest Divisions that submitted proposals seeking ₹128.57 crore, only ₹39.68 crore was sanctioned.
This stark contrast between approved budget and received funds highlights the lack of support for critical rehabilitation facilities needed to address the increasing incidents of wild animals straying into human settlements. Wildlife enthusiasts are left questioning the responsible parties behind these fund cuts, given the extensive correspondence exchanged over the matter.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
