In a landmark event celebrating the unsung heroes of India’s environmental landscape, the third edition of the Eco Warrior Awards 2025 was held on September 11 at the India International Centre, Delhi. The event coincided with National Forest Martyrs Day, underscoring the dedication of forest officials across the country.
Among the many awardees honored that evening, one name stood out for seamlessly blending technology with ecology – Dr. S.K. Srivastava, a 1996 batch Indian Forest Service officer, who currently serves as the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Research & Training), Gujarat. He received the prestigious “Best Use of Technology” award for his revolutionary digital initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of forest management in Gujarat.
Indian Masterminds interviewed Dr Srivastava at the Eco Warrior Awards 2025 to understand his innovative efforts, the philosophy behind his work, and his vision for a greener, smarter future for India’s forests.
Harnessing Open-Source Power: Making Technology Affordable and Accessible
When asked about the thought process behind using open-source technologies for departmental work, Dr Srivastava emphasized the importance of simplicity and scalability.
“The most important thing is that these are free and open source technologies. They’re not just cost-effective but also incredibly powerful if used well,” he said.
One of his landmark creations is a 24×7 Wildlife Helpline (8320002000) – a no-cost solution running on a simple Android phone. This service uses Google Sheets and automation to provide users with instant access to forest nurseries, contact details of wildlife wardens, and emergency help across Gujarat.
“Just a missed call or WhatsApp message is enough. The citizen receives a link that provides detailed, location-based information. And this didn’t cost the department a rupee,” he added.
The Snake Rescuer App: Streamlining Safe Wildlife Interaction
Another standout initiative is the Snake Rescuer App, aimed at addressing a common and often dangerous issue – snake sightings and mishandled rescues.
“Every state faces this problem. Not all snake rescuers are trained or ethical. Some misuse the opportunity. That’s why we created this app – to ensure only certified, trained rescuers are involved,” explained Dr Srivastava.
The app connects the public with certified snake rescuers and uses an OTP-based handover system to ensure safe, documented rescues. This not only safeguards the reptiles but also builds transparency and accountability into the system.
He further added, “We also linked this with our helpline. Even our departmental exam applications, service books, and awards have now gone digital, making the entire process smoother, especially for our frontline staff.”
Wildlife Helpline – A Game-Changer in Forest Tech
Dr Srivastava’s 24×7 helpline has become a one-stop digital interface for conservation-related queries and emergencies. From wildlife rescue to nursery information, the service runs entirely through automated replies generated by basic open-source tools.
“There’s probably no other number like this in the country. It runs off a basic Android phone, yet it connects people to every level of the forest department – from RFOs to wildlife wardens,” he stated proudly.
He further explained that through a simple interface, users receive an SMS containing links to raise rescue requests, contact officials, and even access maps and information about forest department services.
Empowering Citizens: Conservation Beyond the Forest Department
Dr Srivastava believes strongly in public participation and has worked to break down barriers between citizens and the forest department.
“Every year, we distribute more than 10 crore saplings in Gujarat. Earlier, people didn’t know where to get them. Now, they can just dial our number, find the nearest nursery, and go directly – no recommendation or middleman required,” he said.
With integrated QR codes in publicity materials and real-time nursery data, the system ensures genuine seekers get the plants they want, sometimes even free of cost.
He also touched on the Karuna Abhiyan, Gujarat’s annual campaign during Uttarayan, which treats over 10,000 injured birds. Citizens can use the helpline to locate the nearest bird rescue centers from a network of 800+ mapped locations.
“It’s not feasible to publish 800 phone numbers, but a simple digital link shows the nearest center on the map. That’s how tech makes citizen help possible,” he emphasized.
Tech That Scales: Managing ₹1,000 Crore Projects with Google Sheets
Perhaps the most astounding part of Dr Srivastava’s work is how he’s managed massive government projects with minimal tools. The ₹1,000 crore PERG Project was managed entirely with Google Sheets and QGIS, saving crores in the process.
“People underestimate tools like Google Sheets. But they allow real-time collaboration. Even large projects can be managed easily without high-end software,” he explained.
Through the democratization of tools like NDVI, slope analysis, and mobile GIS access, Dr. Srivastava ended the monopoly of specialized GIS operators – empowering ground staff to contribute meaningfully.
Looking Ahead: Free Tech, Big Potential
When asked about the future of technology in forest management, Dr Srivastava advocated for greater adoption of open-source and free technologies.
“The learning curve for something like Google Sheets is low. Even forest guards can use it. These are not intimidating tools – they are Excel’s smarter cousin with more collaboration features,” he said.
He believes such technologies can revolutionize data handling, boost transparency, and ensure that everyone in the department – from guards to officers – is empowered.
Recognition and Encouragement: The Role of Awards
In his closing remarks, Dr Srivastava expressed gratitude to the organizers for highlighting the hidden contributions of IFS officers.
“There are many unsung heroes in our department. We know them, but the outside world doesn’t. Platforms like India Masterminds and the Central IFS Association have done a great job bringing their stories to light,” he concluded.
Final Thoughts
Dr. S.K. Srivastava exemplifies a new-age forest officer – one who blends grassroots conservation with smart, scalable technology. His work is not just about protecting forests but about transforming the system from within, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and community participation at every step.
Through his visionary leadership, Gujarat’s forest management has moved from manual paperwork to digital dashboards, from isolated rescue efforts to community-powered conservation, and from hierarchical processes to open, democratized systems.
As India moves toward a greener, more connected future, officers like Dr Srivastava are not just safeguarding nature – they’re redefining how conservation is done.
