The Rajasthan government has initiated a significant administrative reshuffle within its Forest. Department, transferring 33 Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers across various key positions. This extensive reorganization also includes assigning additional charges to four IFS officers, while two officers who were on awaiting posting orders (APO) have now received their new assignments, while this move is aimed at streamlining the department's operations, enhancing efficiency, and bringing new leadership to critical environmental and wildlife management roles across the state.
Non-Compliance Leads to Action
A pivotal reason behind this large-scale administrative overhaul stems from the non-compliance with directives issued by the Chief Minister. Specifically, instructions were given by the Forest Minister for action against Shikha Mehra, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), and Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). The Chief Minister had ordered the opening of Forest Department guest houses for tourists, a directive that was reportedly not acted upon. This inaction led to strong displeasure from both the Chief. Minister and the Forest Minister, who subsequently ordered immediate action. As a direct consequence, Shikha Mehra has been transferred to the position of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Development), and Rajesh Kumar Gupta has been moved to the role of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (External Aided Project) in Jaipur. This incident underscores the state government's commitment to ensuring its orders are followed diligently and that any lapse in implementation won't be overlooked.
Key Transfers and New Responsibilities
The transfer list features several senior officers taking on new and crucial responsibilities. Dr, while venkatesh Sharma, an Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF), has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) of the Rajasthan State Forest Development Corporation Limited. Meanwhile, Uday Shankar, who was the MD of APCCF (Production and Forest Development Limited), has been transferred to the position of APCCF (CEO Camp) in Jaipur. KCA Arun Prasad, previously APCCF (FCI) Jaipur, has now been assigned the significant role of APCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden Jaipur. TJ Kavitha, who served as APCCF (Development), has been transferred to the post of APCCF and Nodal Officer (FCA) Jaipur, while Plus, Rajiv Chaturvedi, the Chief Forest Conservator Jaipur, has been appointed as the Member Secretary of the Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board Jaipur. These appointments are strategically designed to strengthen leadership across various departments and. Enhance their operational capabilities in critical areas of forest and environmental management.
Changes in Ranthambore Tiger Project Leadership
The leadership of the prestigious Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, a cornerstone of wildlife conservation in Rajasthan, has also seen significant changes, while anoop K, who served as the Director and Chief Forest Conservator of the Ranthambore Tiger Project, has been transferred to the position of Chief Conservator Jodhpur. In his place, Sharda Pratap Singh, previously the Member Secretary of the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board, has been appointed as the new Director and Chief Forest Conservator of the Ranthambore Tiger Project. This change is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the management of this sensitive wildlife area. Sharda Pratap Singh's experience is anticipated to benefit wildlife conservation and tourism. Management efforts at Ranthambore, ensuring the continued protection of its iconic tiger population.
New Head for Pollution Control Board
Following Sharda Pratap Singh's transfer to Ranthambore, the crucial position of Member Secretary of the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board became vacant. Kapil Chandrawal has been appointed to fill this important role. Chandrawal's transfer comes from his previous position as Joint Project Director of R BDC to the Pollution Control Board. This appointment is expected to invigorate the state's efforts in pollution control and environmental protection. Kapil Chandrawal's experience in related fields is likely to contribute to improved functioning and more effective implementation of environmental policies by the board.
APO Officers Receive Postings
The transfer list also includes officers who were on awaiting posting orders (APO). Monali Sen, who was serving as Forest Conservator in JDA, has been transferred to the position of Chief Minister Jeev Jaipur. In her place, IFS officer Anita, who was on APO, has been appointed as Forest Conservator in JDA. Similarly, Akanksha Mahajan, another officer on APO, has been posted as Chief Forest Conservator and Director of the Rajasthan Forestry and Wildlife Training Institute Jaipur. These appointments provide new responsibilities to officers who had been awaiting postings, thereby bringing stability to the administrative system. This comprehensive reshuffle is a significant step towards reorganizing and enhancing the effectiveness of. The Forest Department and related environmental bodies in Rajasthan, ensuring better governance and resource management.
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