https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

MP Forest Officer’s Decade-Long Effort Gifts India a Greener Future on Environment Day

On World Environment Day, Indian Masterminds presents you with the interesting story of an IFS officer who was on a mission to reclaim nearly 9000 hectares of forest land over the past decade. Read the article to learn more…
Indian Masterminds Stories

Madhya Pradesh’s North Forest Division of Seoni exemplifies commitment to forest conservation and reclamation. Over the years, significant strides have been made in reclaiming encroached forest land, addressing deforestation, and preventing desertification. The collective efforts of forest officials, local communities, and conservationists have transformed this region into a beacon of hope for forest conservation. Under the guidance of Basu Kannogia, IFS, the Conservator of Forest, North Seoni Division has embarked on a mission to reclaim nearly 9000 hectares of forest land over the past decade, transforming degraded landscapes back into thriving ecosystems. Speaking with Indian Masterminds, she shared about the works in detail. 

A DECADE OF DEDICATION 

The timeline of forest reclamation efforts in various divisions of Madhya Pradesh exemplifies sustained and methodical work. Since September 2013, Ms. Kannogia and her team have freed extensive tracts of land from illegal encroachments:

Chhatarpur (2013-2014): 1268 hectares

Ashok Nagar (2014-2016): 1936 hectares

Panna (2016): 1749 hectares

Umariya (2017-2018): 750 hectares

Panna National Park (2018-2019): 265 hectares

Ratlam (2019-2020): 5.50 hectares

North Seoni Division (2022-present): 2908.162 hectares

“These efforts have not only reclaimed land but also bolstered forest protection, reducing instances of forest crime and illegal logging,” Ms. Kannogia added. 

THE NORTH SEONI INITIATIVE 

The North Seoni Division, active since March 2022, has seen significant progress in the reclamation of forest land:

2022-23: 1140.280 hectares freed

2023-24: 1095.382 hectares freed

2024-25: 672.500 hectares freed

“The strategy here has been multifaceted,” she said. While large-scale encroachments have not been a major issue, smaller encroachments by residents were addressed through community engagement and employment creation. By involving the youth in forest protection activities, the division has not only conserved the forests but also created economic opportunities, leading to a symbiotic relationship between the community and the environment.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EMPLOYMENT 

A key element of the North Seoni Division’s success has been its focus on public awareness and community participation. Efforts to educate residents about the importance of forest conservation, coupled with the creation of employment opportunities in forest-related activities, have been pivotal. Projects such as the establishment of a Bamboo Craft Museum Outlet and various skill development centers have provided platforms for local artisans and laborers to earn a livelihood while contributing to forest conservation.

RECLAMATION AND RESTORATION 

The physical reclamation of forest land has involved several steps:

  • Foiling Encroachment Attempts: Vigilant monitoring and prompt action against encroachment attempts have been crucial.
  • Plantation Work: Post-eviction, the focus shifts to planting medicinal plants and other native species. In 2022 alone, tree plantations in degraded forest areas covered sensitive regions, enhancing biodiversity and restoring ecological balance.
  • Infrastructure Development: Construction of Continuous Contour Trenches (CPT) in sensitive areas, along with fencing, has fortified reclaimed lands against future encroachment.

GRASS PRODUCTION AND LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT 

Innovative projects, such as grass production in plantation areas, have also been significant. “Over three years, from 2021 to 2023, 742.89 quintals of grass were produced, benefiting nearly 900 locals,” Ms. Kannogia shared with Indian Masterminds. This initiative not only prevents soil erosion but also supports livestock farming, which is crucial for local economies.

LOOKING FORWARD 

The ongoing battle against deforestation in Seoni is a powerful example of what dedicated efforts can achieve. By combining strict law enforcement with community engagement and sustainable livelihood projects, the North Seoni Division has set a model for forest conservation efforts nationwide. As Ms. Kannogia and her team continue their work, the hope is to see even more of India’s forest lands restored, providing a healthier environment for future generations.

In a world grappling with climate change and biodiversity loss, the story of Seoni’s forests offers a glimmer of hope and a roadmap for others to follow.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
Devendra Kumar Tiwari Alka Tiwari  IAS Jharkhand
First IAS Couple in India to Hold Both Chief Secretary & State Election Commissioner Posts Consecutively - Know This Powerful Pair
Policing, Trust, and Investment: Insights from IPF - Indian Masterminds
Indian Police Foundation Marks 10 Years, Discussion on How Policing Builds Investor Confidence
Madhya Pradesh football training
Mini Brazil to Germany: Vicharpur’s Young Footballers Get CM Mohan Yadav’s Blessings on Vijayadashami Week
bureaucracy news
Centre Announces Key Bureaucratic Appointments & Deputation Extensions: Neeraj Surendran, Arun G, Anand Mohan Among Key Names
PM Modi CM Nitish Kumar
Bihar Receives Rs. 10,219 Crore from Centre: A Festive Gift On Vijayadashami to Fuel Development & Welfare, Backed by GST Reforms
Chhattisgarh government
Chhattisgarh CM Charts Development Roadmap: Push for Capital Expenditure, Biometric Attendance, & Transparent Governance
Vishnu Deo Sai CM
Chhattisgarh Gets Rs. 3,462 Crore Boost from Modi Government: Here's How CM Sai Pledges To Spend It!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
Ravikant Meena on IFS Preparation, Optionals, and Life in Forest Service
Siddhartha Saxena UPSC CAPF
How Siddhartha Saxena Cracked UPSC CAPF AIR 326 Against All Odds
Dr. S.K
Technology Meets Ecology: IFS Dr S K Srivastava’s Game-Changing Innovations in Forest Management | Eco Warrior Awards 2025 Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar Live Interaction
From Cut-off Dates to Coaching & Reforms: UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar Assures Aspirants of Fairness, Transparency & a Future-Ready UPSC | UPSC@100
A Century of Service: The UPSC’s Landmark Year Begins. Chairman Ajay Kumar on UPSC’s Centennial: “Merit,...
Giriraj Parihar MPPSC 2024
From Constable to Deputy Collector: Giriraj Parihar’s 9-Year MPPSC Journey | Farmer’s Son, Brother to Five Sisters
From a jail guard to MPPSC 2024 Rank 8, Giriraj Parihar’s nine-year journey of self-study, hard work,...
Ankit MPPSC 2024 Rank 3
From Village Dreams to Deputy Collector’s Chair: Meet Ankit, MPPSC Rank 3 Hindi Medium Topper
Ankit, a Hindi-medium aspirant from Balaghat, secured Rank 3 in MPPSC 2024 and became Deputy Collector...
Social Media
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
Parag Madhukar Dhakate
Relentless Rains Wreak Havoc in Dehradun: IFS officer PM Dhakate Warns Citizens Amid Flash Floods
Cloudbursts in Dehradun triggered flash floods. IFS officer Dr. PM Dhakate warned citizens to stay indoors...
Forest Guard Tiger Encounter
Tigers Clash in the Wild as Forest Guards Capture Rare Footage , Retired IFS Mohan Pargaien Posts Viral Video
Retired IFS officer Mohan Pargaien shares viral video of three tigers brawling in Ramnagar, as forest...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
Devendra Kumar Tiwari Alka Tiwari  IAS Jharkhand
First IAS Couple in India to Hold Both Chief Secretary & State Election Commissioner Posts Consecutively - Know This Powerful Pair
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
Siddhartha Saxena UPSC CAPF
Dr. S.K
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT