The Assam Cabinet has approved the extension of retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer M.K. Yadava’s re-engagement as Special Chief Secretary (Forest). Yadava, who retired as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) on February 29, 2024, was re-engaged by the Assam government for one year, effective March 1, 2024. His tenure was set to expire on February 28, 2025, but the government has now extended it until the end of its current term.
The extension, which will begin on March 1, 2025, ensures Yadava retains full financial and administrative powers in his role, a significant change from his initial re-engagement, which did not provide him these powers. According to a notification from the Personnel Department, Yadava’s remuneration will be based on his last pay at the time of retirement, minus his pension.
Yadava’s reappointment comes amid controversy, as he has faced serious accusations, including the illegal diversion of forest land for the construction of a commando battalion camp in Sivasagar in 2014 and the diversion of 44 hectares of forest land in Hailakandi in 2023. These actions have attracted the scrutiny of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has criticized his role in forest land violations.
The Union Environment Ministry issued a show-cause notice to Yadava in 2024, asking for an explanation regarding violations of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Furthermore, the NGT referred to him as an official involved in multiple alleged scams.
Despite these allegations, the Assam Congress had strongly opposed his reappointment last year due to concerns over wildlife mismanagement and corruption. The reasons for the state government’s decision to extend his tenure remain unclear and have raised further questions about accountability in forest management.
The extension of M.K. Yadava’s tenure as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) is likely to fuel continued debate over his controversial legacy and the implications of his influence in Assam’s forest department.
