SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has sought a comprehensive assessment of the shortage of information technology equipment across its field formations, with a focus on providing functional GPS devices to every Beat Guard and desktop computers to every Range Officer.
In a communication dated November 9, 2026, the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) asked senior departmental officers to submit a consolidated inventory and beat-wise and range-wise gap analysis within seven days.
The assessment will cover equipment purchased under the detailed head 020 (Machinery and Equipment) through the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
The department has sought year-wise details of GPS devices, drones, computers, printers, cameras, CCTV systems and other IT equipment, along with pending Form-60 returns under CAMPA.
According to the communication, the exercise is aimed at achieving 100 per cent coverage by ensuring that every Beat Guard has a functional GPS device and every Range Officer is provided with a desktop computer.
The department said the gap analysis was necessary to compare the existing inventory with the actual requirements of field formations and assess the need for additional equipment.
It also noted that, despite an earlier communication issued on August 14, 2026, consolidated stock details and beat-wise and range-wise gap reports from most implementing agencies were still awaited.
The communication has been addressed to senior officers, including the Additional Principal Chief Conservators of Forests, directors of various departmental wings, Chief Wildlife Warden and Chief Conservators of Forests in Jammu and Kashmir.
The information will be used to evaluate and process centralised procurement through CAMPA headquarters’ interest funds.
