https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

From UP Forests to Delhi’s Apex Office : Leading India’s Forest Conservation from the Top

With over three decades of dedicated service in forest conservation, wildlife management, and sustainable afforestation, Sushil Kumar Awasthi, a 1991-batch IFS officer (UP cadre), has now assumed the highest position in India’s forest department as the Director General of Forests & Special Secretary (DGF&SS), MoEF&CC.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Sushil Kumar Awasthi, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the 1991 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has reached the pinnacle of his career with his appointment as the Director General of Forests & Special Secretary (DGF&SS), MoEF&CC, New Delhi. This prestigious position places him at the helm of forest governance and policy-making in India, reflecting his decades of dedication to environmental conservation and forestry management.

A CAREER DEFINED BY LEADERSHIP AND EXPERTISE

Throughout his career, Awasthi has held several key positions, displaying exceptional leadership in forestry and wildlife management. Prior to his current role, he served as Additional Director General in the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), contributing to national environmental policies and conservation strategies.

His career trajectory includes significant tenures in both administrative and academic capacities. He was an Additional Professor at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) during 2011-12and later served as Additional Director at IGNFA, shaping the next generation of IFS officers with his expertise and experience.

EXPERIENCES ACROSS MULTIPLE DOMAINS

Awasthi’s extensive field experience has been instrumental in driving impactful forestry initiatives. His previous assignments include:

  • Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), UP, where he played a pivotal role in wildlife conservation and conflict management.
  • Regional Manager, UP Forest Corporation (UPFC), overseeing sustainable forestry operations.
  • Conservator of Forests, Meerut Circle, UP Forest Department, ensuring effective forest management.
  • DFO (Divisional Forest Officer) in multiple regions, including Bareilly, Raduan, Etah (Social Forestry Division), and South Pilibhit.
  • IFS (Probationer) at IGNFA, Dehradun, marking the beginning of his distinguished journey in forest administration.

SPECIALISATION AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Awasthi’s work spans several critical areas in forestry and environmental conservation. His areas of specialization include:

  • Wildlife Management and Conflict Resolution – Developing strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
  • Forest Certification – Ensuring sustainable forestry practices.
  • Urban Forestry – Implementing tall planting techniques to enhance green cover in urban areas.
  • Afforestation of Alkaline and Saline Soils – Pioneering efforts to reclaim degraded land through innovative afforestation methods.

ACADEMIC AND SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND

With an M.Sc. in Chemistry and an AIGNFA qualification, Awasthi brings a scientific approach to forestry. His research and academic contributions have been crucial in developing innovative solutions for forest conservation and management.

A PASSION FOR SPORTS AND BEYOND

Beyond his professional commitments, Awasthi has a keen interest in cricket and tennis, balancing his administrative duties with his love for sports. His passion for physical fitness and outdoor activities complements his career in forestry, reinforcing his deep connection with nature.

LEADERSHIP IN INDIAN FORESTRY

Now occupying the highest post in the Indian Forest Service, Sushil Kumar Awasthi’s leadership is expected to shape the future of forest conservation in India. His vast experience, deep technical knowledge, and strategic vision make him a key figure in policy-making, biodiversity protection, and sustainable forestry. As he takes on this significant role, his focus remains on strengthening India’s forests, enhancing wildlife conservation efforts, and promoting sustainable environmental policies for future generations.

As Director General of Forests, Sushil Kumar Awasthi now holds the apex position in India’s forest department. His journey from an IFS probationer to leading the country’s environmental and forestry policies is an inspiring testament to dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to conservation.

With his vast experience, specialized knowledge, and vision for sustainable forestry, Awasthi is expected to steer India’s forest management towards greater environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation. His leadership will be crucial in addressing challenges such as deforestation, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change adaptation, ensuring a greener and more ecologically balanced future for India.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
NETRA Mk-2
India’s Ultimate Sky Spy: NETRA Mk-2 to Detect Threats 500 km Away Before They Strike
Yogi Adityanath Ayodhya visit in Diwali
Yogi Adityanath Ayodhya visit in Diwali: CM Distributes Sweets & Fruits in , Nishad Basti Re-affirms Inclusive Diwali for All
Su-30MKI RCS reduction upgrade
India’s Su-30MKI Get RCS reduction upgrade: Radar-Absorbent Paint Entering Fleet Trials
PPP model
Public Health for Sale? Ex-IAS P.V. Ramesh Questions Andhra Govt’s PPP Model for Medical Colleges
200 MW modular nuclear reactors
From Factories to Ships: India’s 200 MW Nuclear Reactors Set to Change the Game
NAPA
Senior Punjab Bureaucrats & Legislators Under Fire: North American Punjabi Association Demands for CBI Monitoring of IAS/IPS/PCS Officers and Elected Representatives
Rajasthan IAS officer recall
Rajasthan IAS officer recall: Govt Seeks Return of IAS Officers Rohit Kumar and Siddharth Mahajan from Centre Amid Staff Crunch
dig-bhullar-file-photo
Punjab IPS Officer Harcharan Singh Bhullar Faces New FIR Over Liquor Seizure at Samrala Farmhouse
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
IDES Saquib Alam
Beyond IAS and IPS: The Inspiring Work of an IDES officer | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Ruchi Jat MPPSC
She Worked in Fields, Danced Ghoomar - Now She’ll Govern Districts: Ruchi Jat Cracks MPPSC 2024 with Rank 6, Becomes Deputy Collector
From a farmer's daughter in Pipalkhunta to securing 6th rank in MPPSC 2024, Ruchi Jat's inspiring journey...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
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...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
NETRA Mk-2
India’s Ultimate Sky Spy: NETRA Mk-2 to Detect Threats 500 km Away Before They Strike
Yogi Adityanath Ayodhya visit in Diwali
Yogi Adityanath Ayodhya visit in Diwali: CM Distributes Sweets & Fruits in , Nishad Basti Re-affirms Inclusive Diwali for All
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
IDES Saquib Alam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT