During a safari visit to Corbett Tiger Reserve on July 6, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was taken in a Gypsy vehicle (registration number UK-19GA-0067) provided by the Forest Department. It has now been revealed that the vehicle’s fitness certificate had expired in August 2022 and was never renewed—raising serious questions about the breach of standard safety protocols for a high-profile dignitary.
The revelation caused a stir within the Forest Department, prompting Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Sameer Sinha to order an inquiry into the matter. The investigation has been assigned to PCCF Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden Ranjan Mishra, who will look into all aspects of the case.
Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve, Saket Badola—who was also reportedly in the vehicle during the safari—acknowledged that while the vehicle’s certification had lapsed, it was technically sound. “The truth will come out through the investigation,” he stated.
In a hurried move, the vehicle was brought in for a fitness test on Tuesday and was fined due to the five-year gap in renewal. ART Officer Sandeep Verma confirmed that the fitness was renewed and the penalty imposed as per rules.
The incident has drawn comparisons to a tragic accident that occurred last year in Rajaji Tiger Reserve, where six forest personnel lost their lives due to a similar lapse involving a vehicle under scrutiny. That case led to a high-level inquiry by a former chief secretary, with the report now submitted.
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal stated that accountability will be fixed once the inquiry is complete. “We have asked the Corbett Director to explain who was responsible for the fitness renewal. Action will be taken based on the findings,” he said.
The incident underscores the critical importance of vehicle fitness certification, particularly for commercial and high-capacity passenger vehicles. As per regulations, such vehicles must undergo fitness checks initially after two years and annually thereafter to ensure roadworthiness.
With the spotlight now on the department’s procedural lapses, the incident raises urgent concerns about safety standards and administrative responsibility in high-security zones like wildlife reserves.