ACF Post sanctioned for Chincholi forest sub-division

Kalaburagi: In a significant administrative move, the state government has sanctioned the post of assistant conservator of forests (ACF) and approved the establishment of a new forest sub-division office in Chincholi. Along with the ACF post, six additional positions — forest guard, first division assistant, fingerprint operator, driver and Group D staff — have been cleared, besides a vehicle for field operations.The order, issued by B Venkatesh Murthy, joint secretary (services and coordination) of the forest, ecology and environment department, follows a restructuring of the Chincholi wildlife sanctuary, Chincholi territorial forest range and Chittapur range.Chincholi, home to South India's dryland wildlife sanctuary, had an ACF office nearly three decades ago, which was later shifted, triggering long-standing public demand for its restoration. Forest minister Eshwar Khandre has now fulfilled this demand.The new sub-division is expected to strengthen forest protection and monitoring. Sunil Chavhan, recently promoted as ACF, has taken charge. MLA Dr Avinash Jadhav welcomed the move, citing improved administrative efficiency and conservation efforts.