In a significant move, the central government has appointed Mr. Sushil Kumar Awasthi (1991-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IFS officer) as the Director-General of Forests & Special Secretary (DGF&SS) in the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC). His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, was announced on Monday, December 23, 2024.
Mr. Awasthi, who currently serves as the Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) in the MoEF&CC, will succeed Mr. Jitendra Kumar (1987-batch AGMUT cadre IFS officer). Mr. Kumar is set to retire on January 31, 2025.
The decision to appoint Mr. Awasthi has drawn attention as he has surpassed nine senior Indian Forest Service officers in the seniority list.
These IFS officers include:
- Mr. VN Ambade (1988-batch Madhya Pradesh cadre).
- Mr. Sandeep Kumar (1989-batch Assam-Meghalaya cadre).
- Ms. Meenakshi Negi (1989-batch Karnataka cadre).
- Mr. V. Sreenivasa Rao (1990-batch Chhattisgarh cadre).
- Mr. Asit Goal (1990-batch Madhya Pradesh cadre).
- Ms. Renu Singh (1990-batch Madhya Pradesh cadre).
- Mr. Sarvesh Rai (1991-batch AGMUT cadre).
- Mr. RP Khajuria (1991-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre).
- Mr. Vivek Saxena (1991-batch Haryana cadre).
Ranked 10th in seniority among his peers, Officer Awasthi’s elevation underscores his exceptional credentials and the government’s confidence in his leadership.
This appointment comes at a critical juncture for the MoEF&CC, as the ministry continues to address pressing challenges related to climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development. Mr. Awasthi’s extensive experience and expertise in forest management and wildlife conservation are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the ministry’s policies and initiatives.
