Raipur, Chhattisgarh: In a revealing disclosure of wealth declarations, it appears that Chhattisgarh’s Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers are financially outperforming their peers in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS). A recent investigation into the assets of the top 10 most senior IFS officers in the state shows that all are crorepatis – a surprising revelation that has caught the attention of bureaucratic and political circles alike.
What’s more surprising is that the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), the highest-ranking officer in the IFS cadre, has declared more assets than even the state’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP). From bungalows worth over ₹1.5 crore to large tracts of ancestral land and luxurious cottages, these forest officers are quietly sitting atop substantial wealth.
Breakdown of Top IFS Officers’ Assets:
1. Sudhir Kumar Agarwal (IFS 1988 batch, PCCF Wildlife)
- House in Goa Raipur (Ancestral): ₹20 lakh
- House in Naya Raipur: ₹45 lakh
- Total Declared Value: ₹65 lakh
2. T.K. Jha (IFS 1989 batch, PCCF level)
- 8,000 sq. ft. cottage in Raipur
- Land (12,000 sq. ft.) acquired under Bharatmala project: ₹10 lakh
- Naya Raipur property (Plot & House): ₹50 lakh
- Flat in Bhatagaon (wife’s name): ₹24 lakh
- Additional land holdings in Tilda, Deori, and Boriyakla (gifts from family) totaling over ₹45 lakh
- Total Estimated Value: ₹1.25 crore+
3. Anil Kumar Sahu (IFS 1990 batch)
- House & land in Naya Raipur: ₹79 lakh
- Residential plot in Pida, Raipur (wife’s name): ₹20 lakh
- House in Aishwarya Kingdom Kachana (wife’s name): ₹47.66 lakh
- Total Declared Value: Approx. ₹1.5 crore
4. V. Srinivas Rao (IFS 1993 batch)
- Plot in Andhra Pradesh: ₹20 lakh
- Plot in Telangana: ₹1 crore
- Joint plot in Naya Raipur: ₹32 lakh
- Total Declared Value: ₹2.5 crore
5. Morice Tushar Nandy (IFS 1991 batch)
- Plot in Dharampura, Raipur: ₹20 lakh
- Flat in Nava Raipur: ₹30 lakh
- Multiple land holdings in Jora, Marwahi, and inherited farmland
- Total Estimated Assets: ₹21 crore
6. Kaushalendra Kumar (IFS 1992 batch)
- House in Katrod, Naya Raipur (joint ownership): ₹95 lakh
- Agricultural land in Raipur (wife’s name): ₹14 lakh
- Total Declared Value: ₹2.09 crore
7. Prem Kumar (IFS 1994 batch)
- Agricultural & residential land in Bihar (joint with family): Approx. ₹1.25 crore
- Properties in Raipur (self and wife): Over ₹1.1 crore
- Total Declared Value: ₹2.25 crore
8. Sunil Kumar Mishra (IFS 1994 batch)
- Land in Bhagalpur: ₹21 lakh
- Agricultural land and flat in Bihar: ₹6 lakh
- Plot in Naya Raipur: ₹70 lakh
- Plot in Raipur: ₹28.92 lakh
- Total Declared Value: ₹1.25 crore
9. Alok Katiyar (IFS 1993 batch)
- Housing plot in Naya Raipur: ₹15 lakh
- Additional Naya Raipur property: ₹70 lakh
- Total Declared Value: ₹85 lakh
Wealth in Green Uniforms
The data reveals a stark shift in perceptions about government service wealth. While IAS and IPS officers have traditionally held the spotlight, the IFS cadre – often less in public view – has amassed significant property and land holdings, often through inheritance, government housing schemes, and strategic investments in developing areas.
One standout is Morice Tushar Nandy, whose declared wealth of ₹21 crore far exceeds any of his peers, making him arguably the wealthiest forest officer in the state. His properties span multiple locations and include both residential and agricultural assets.
Rising Scrutiny
The disclosures, while not indicating any wrongdoing, have triggered public curiosity and raised questions about asset transparency and valuation in public service. As land prices surge and urban sprawl continues, the value of long-held properties, particularly ancestral or rural holdings, has multiplied.
With further scrutiny expected, state authorities may soon see growing calls for regular asset audits and uniform declaration standards across all services.
