“Main sirf apna farz nibha raha hoon,” says IFS officer Appasaheb Nikat, with humility as vast as the forests he has helped grow. While many consider afforestation as a departmental goal, for Nikat, it’s a mission of inspirationrooted in his love for nature, his academic grounding in agriculture, and an unshakable belief that “willpower alone can turn a barren land green.”
Over the years, his efforts have led to the plantation of over 50 lakh trees and production of 1 crore saplings, not just through official channels but also via voluntary citizen participation, schoolchildren, NGOs, and temples. For him, forest service is not just a government role; it’s a sacred responsibility.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer shared details about his love for nature and his efforts to increase environmental sustainability on the planet.
FROM DUTY TO DEVOTION
Though large-scale plantation is a common mandate in forest departments, Nikat infused his work with unmatched dedication. “I didn’t do anything extraordinary,” he insists. “I just gave 100% to my duty.”
He initiated massive afforestation campaigns, including unique bamboo fencing plantations near offices and infrastructure zones. This dual-purpose plantation served as natural fencing and resource generation. He implemented the Miyawaki method – creating dense, self-sustaining mini forests in urban areas.
“We created 10 Miyawaki plots, without spending a single rupee from the government,” he notes with pride. “These plots were nurtured entirely with departmental staff and community volunteers,” he shared with Indian Masterminds.
COMMUNITY AS THE CATALYST
Appasaheb Nikat’s most powerful innovation? Turning Shramdaan (voluntary community labor) into a powerful tool for afforestation. “We planted over 5 lakh trees through Shramdaan alone,” he shares. School grounds, temple premises, cremation grounds, public parks – all became homes for saplings.
He inspired not just individuals but entire villages to adopt a green mission. Staff from his department worked hand-in-hand with citizens, children, and local leaders.
“When people see their own effort nurturing a tree, they protect it like family,” he says.
WHERE TREES CELEBRATE DAUGHTERS
One of his most touching initiatives is the Kanyavan Samruddhi Yojana, an afforestation program woven into the social fabric. “Whenever a baby girl was born in a family, we planted 10 trees,” explains Nikat. “Five of them were teak trees for long-term value, and the others were fruit-bearing trees like mango and custard apple.”
This symbolic and economic gesture gave families both emotional pride and financial foresight, with trees maturing as the child grows. In one such campaign, 18,940 trees were planted in honor of 1,894 girl children born in the region. “It’s a green bond between the child and nature,” he says.
GUARDIANS OF THE WILD
Nikat’s conservation zeal goes beyond forests. On the Konkan coast, he’s been a silent guardian of Olive Ridley Sea turtles, whose nesting season from November to March is a delicate window for survival.
Through local partnerships and trained community volunteers, Nikat ensured safe nesting sites, regular monitoring, and hatchling protection, guiding them back to sea. His conservation strategy was both scientific and participative, engaging villagers as “honorary turtle protectors.”
He also turned his focus to the dwindling population of vultures in the Raigad region, initiating protection protocols in Shriwardhan and Mhasala zones.
“If we lose scavengers like vultures, it disturbs the entire ecological cycle,” he shared. His team’s silent efforts contributed to sightings increasing in these once-vulture-devoid regions.
WRITING A GREENER TOMORROW
To document and spread this green gospel, Nikat penned a book titled “Nandavan”, a practical guide for Miyawaki afforestation and people-led plantation efforts.
“It’s for forest staff, citizens, and even organizations looking to green their spaces. I want others to realize that plantation doesn’t always need money, just strong willpower,” he told Indian Masterminds.
PLANTING THE FUTURE
Through school awareness programs, beach-cleaning drives, drawing and slogan competitions, and involvement of National Green Corps (NGC) and NCC cadets, Nikat ensured that the message of conservation seeps deep into young minds. “If we teach them today, they’ll protect tomorrow,” he says.
He was recently awarded the State-Level Gold Medal and Certificate of Appreciation by Maharashtra’s Minister of Forests, Ganesh Naik, for his outstanding contributions to forestry services.
From restoring coastal biodiversity to bringing back native species and inspiring lakhs through community engagement, IFS Appasaheb Nikat stands tall, like the very trees he planted.
His story isn’t just about forests – it’s about faith, foresight, and the forest within.
