https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

“She Roots for Change!” Women Officers Turning Over a New Leaf

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, a group of remarkable women officers is making waves—one tree at a time. From green governance to sustainable change, they’re proving that leadership and nature thrive together.
Indian Masterminds Stories

As the world faces unprecedented climate challenges, women leaders are stepping up to create sustainable cities, protect biodiversity, and reshape landscapes for future generations. This Women’s Day 2025, we at Indian Masterminds celebrate the incredible contributions of five Indian women officers who have dedicated their careers to environmental conservation and climate resilience. Their innovative approaches and unyielding stanchness are making a tangible impact, proving that a greener tomorrow is in capable hands.

DR. MALATHI PRIYA: PROTECTING FORESTS AND WILDLIFE IN MYSURU

Currently serving as the Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Circle, 2008 batch Karnataka cadre officer, Dr. Malathi Priya has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in wildlife conservation and human-animal conflict management. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and extensive training from the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, she blends science with strategy to safeguard natural habitats.

Under her leadership, Mysuru has witnessed the formation of specialized task forces, including the Leopard Task Force and the Elephant Task Force, equipped with modern technology like drones, AI-powered surveillance, and camera traps to monitor wildlife movements. Her community-driven initiatives encourage local engagement, reducing encroachments and fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and nature. Balancing her demanding profession with family life, Dr. Malathi proves that passion and persistence can rewrite the story of conservation.

Read her complete story here: https://indianmasterminds.com/features/balancing-nature-career-and-family-life-of-ifs-officer-dr-malathi-priya-102497/

BASU KANNOGIA: RECLAIMING FORESTS FOR A GREENER FUTURE

Leading the charge in reclaiming lost forest lands, 2010 batch MP cadre officer, Ms. Basu Kannogia, Conservator of Forests, North Seoni Division, Madhya Pradesh, has reclaimed nearly 9,000 hectares of encroached forest land over a decade. Her meticulous strategy of combining strict law enforcement with public awareness has transformed degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems.

By involving local youth in forest protection activities and launching skill development centers, she has provided economic opportunities while fostering a sense of environmental responsibility. Projects like Bamboo Craft Museum Outlets and livelihood support through grass production have made conservation sustainable. The impact of her work extends beyond forests, setting a precedent for reclaiming lost green spaces across India.

Read her complete story here: https://indianmasterminds.com/features/mp-forest-officers-decade-long-effort-gifts-india-a-greener-future-on-environment-day-88020/

JYOTSNA SITLING: THE WARRIOR WHO SALVAGED 44 TONS OF GARBAGE

A tribal woman who rose to become a decorated IFS officer, 1987 batch officer, Jyotsna Sitling’s work in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is a proof of her hard work and determination. Appointed as the Director of Nanda Devi National Park in 2002, she led a monumental cleanup drive that removed 44 tons of waste from the ecologically sensitive region.

Through community mobilization, strict environmental regulations, and recycling programs, she ensured that the Valley of Flowers could regain its pristine status. Her efforts played a pivotal role in the Valley being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Instead of adopting quick fixes like burning or burying waste, she championed sustainable disposal methods, setting an example for ecological restoration worldwide.

Read her complete story here: https://indianmasterminds.com/features/video-interview/an-environmental-crusade-how-this-ifs-officer-salvaged-44-tons-of-garbage/

SAVITA DAHIYA: TRANSFORMING RAJASTHAN’S ARID LANDS

Amidst the scorching sands of the Thar Desert, the district of Churu, Rajasthan, is witnessing a green transformation. Once barren and inhospitable, it now boasts lush green spaces that provide refuge to birds, small animals, and weary humans seeking solace in nature. This transformation is the result of a dedicated effort led by a visionary woman officer, 2013 batch IFS, Ms. Savita Dahiya, currently posted as DFO in Rajasthan Forest Department, who recognized the urgent need to counteract the psychological and physical toll of extreme desertification.

By implementing large-scale afforestation projects, water conservation initiatives, and sustainable urban planning, she has ensured that the people of Churu no longer have to endure an endless expanse of lifeless sand.

Read her complete story here: https://indianmasterminds.com/features/change-makers/a-desert-districts-story-of-survival/

IAS HARSHIKA SINGH: LEADING WATER CONSERVATION WITH A VISION

IAS officer Harshika Singh is a trailblazer in women-led governance and environmental conservation. As the District Collector of Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, she spearheaded the revival of 11 ancient water bodies, bringing a crucial sustainability issue to the forefront. Under her leadership, historic reservoirs, including a 17th-century Baoli built by King Hridayshah, were restored. These water bodies, once essential to the Gondi region, had fallen into disrepair due to encroachment and neglect. With the MNREGA scheme, Ms. Singh not only revived these structures but also empowered local communities, especially women workers, in the process.

In a field where women leaders are still underrepresented, Harshika Singh’s initiative stands as a testament to resilience and visionary governance. By blending heritage preservation with water conservation, she has set a benchmark for sustainable development, proving that women officers can drive impactful change at the grassroots level.

Check her complete story here: https://indianmasterminds.com/features/chan ge-makers/reviving-historical-ponds-and-water- bodies-of-mandla/

The fight against climate change and environmental degradation requires bold action, and these women officers are proving that leadership, resilience, and innovation can pave the way for a sustainable future. This Women’s Day 2025, let us recognize and support the incredible contributions of women in environmental governance. Their dedication is not just shaping policies—it is shaping landscapes, protecting species, and ensuring that generations to come inherit a world where nature and humanity exist in perfect harmony.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC on Implementation of Safeguards for Scheduled Tribe Employees
MP CM Collector Award Niti Aayog
Sampurnata Abhiyan: Madhya Pradesh Leads NITI Aayog Campaign; Collectors from 8 Districts Win Gold
Mohan Yadav
MP CM Mohan Yadav Pushes for Sustainable, Community-Driven Rural Water Policy; Targets 100% Tap Coverage by March 2027
Ajay Bhadoo IAS
IAS Ajay Bhadoo Gets Extended Term as DGFT - What It Means & His Career Journey
THDCIL_Receives_ABMS_Certification_for_Integrity_and_Transparency
THDC India (THDCIL) Awarded ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Certification by BIS - Details Inside
Ministry of Environment
Environment Ministry Clarifies Petrol Vehicle Tender, Cites E-Vehicle Flexibility
Bokaro Steel Plant
PESB Selects Priya Ranjan to Head Bokaro Steel Plant, SAIL’s Key Production Unit
REC Limited wins ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC (DNA) Awards
REC Limited Bags ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC Awards
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
Resisted Flawed Schemes, Transferred Thrice In Three Months, Found Solace In Writing
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
IAS SVR Srinivas on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Tough Calls, and the Real Power of IAS Officers | Video Interview
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
Dharavi Redevelopment: IAS Minds Turning 100-Year-Old Slum into a Modern City | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-12 at 7.27
First Attempt IRS, Fourth Attempt IPS: The Relentless Pursuit of Jitendra Kumar Yadav Who Cracked UPSC 3 Times
IPS Yadav is originally from Chhattisgarh. He was first selected for the IRS through UPSC and later for...
Social Media
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
IFS Susanta Nanda Video
A Mother’s Duty: Tigress Watches Over Cubs Splashing in Waterhole — Heartwarming Video Shared By Retd. IFS Officer Susanta Nanda
A tender wildlife video shared by Retd. IFS officer Susanta Nanda shows a tigress keeping watch over...
Mohanmala
Kaziranga Mourns: Beloved Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Five Decades of Service
Kaziranga National Park mourns the loss of Mohanmala, a beloved elephant who served over 50 years as...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
IFS S Krithiga
Eco-Friendly Cottages, Tribal Cuisine, and Conservation: Inside Tamil Nadu’s Pachamalai Project
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC on Implementation of Safeguards for Scheduled Tribe Employees
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT