Dehradun: In a move that has stunned bureaucratic and environmental circles, Dr Dhananjay Mohan, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of 1988 batch from Uttarakhand cadre, Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Uttarakhand, has taken Voluntary Retirement (VRS) just two months ahead of his scheduled superannuation. His VRS application, submitted on June 20, was approved in less than 24 hours, and Dr Samir Sinha, an IFS officer of 1990 batch, has been given additional charge as the new HoFF.
Rapid VRS Approval Raises Eyebrows
Dr Mohan’s application for VRS on June 20 and the government’s lightning-fast approval has sparked speculation across administrative and political domains. Notably, he had also applied for Essential Leave from June 25 to July 2, which further indicates that the decision was unanticipated even by him.
A Career Marked by Excellence and Integrity
A native of Dehradun and alumnus of IIT Kanpur, Dr Mohan topped his batch in electrical engineering, yet chose to pursue his lifelong passion for nature by joining the Indian Forest Service as his first and only preference, topping the IFS 1988 batch.
Widely respected as an internationally acclaimed authority on birds and forest research, Dr Mohan has long been seen as a man of uncompromising integrity and scholarly distinction. His appointment as HoFF in May 2024 was seen as a recognition of his unmatched expertise and clean track record.
Unanswered Questions Surrounding His Exit
While Dr Mohan’s quiet, principled approach to leadership won him many admirers, some suggest that his measured decision-making style may have clashed with a system that favours rapid execution. Yet others speculate that his integrity itself may have been an irritant to vested interests.
One particularly sensitive angle involves the Congress party’s recent criticism of alleged irregularities in the Miyawaki Plantation Project, particularly in the procurement of plant saplings. Though Dr Mohan has not been held responsible, insiders believe the narrative’s political weight may have played a role in accelerating his exit.
New Chapter: Dr Samir Sinha Takes Charge
Following Dr Mohan’s departure, the state government has handed additional charge of HoFF to Dr Samir Sinha, a 1990 batch IFoS officer, who brings strong field experience and administrative acumen to the post.
Legacy of an Honest Officer
Whatever the reasons behind Dr Mohan’s sudden exit, what remains indisputable is his legacy: that of a scholar, scientist, and steadfast civil servant, deeply committed to the preservation of India’s ecological heritage. His early retirement marks the end of a notable chapter in Uttarakhand’s forest administration – one that many believe was cut short too soon.
