Bhubaneswar: In a significant administrative overhaul, the Odisha Government has carried out a major reshuffle in the Indian Forest Service (IFS), introducing wide-ranging changes across the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department. The move is aimed at strengthening governance, improving coordination, and enhancing conservation efforts across the state.
At the centre of the reshuffle is the appointment of senior officer G Rajesh as Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Nodal).
G Rajesh Takes Charge as Additional PCCF (Nodal)
A 2001-batch IFS officer, G Rajesh was previously serving as Additional PCCF (Planning, Policy & Administration – PP&A) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CAMPA. His elevation to the nodal role is expected to significantly strengthen inter-departmental coordination and streamline the implementation of forest and environmental initiatives in Odisha.
Key Appointments and Expanded Responsibilities
The reshuffle also includes several important appointments and additional responsibilities for senior officers:
- T Ashok Kumar, earlier RCCF of Sambalpur circle, has been appointed as Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and CEO of CAMPA. He will also hold additional charge of CCF (PP&A) at the PCCF and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) office.
- Sanjay Kumar Swain, currently RCCF Angul, has been given additional responsibility as Director of Forest Rangers College, Angul.
- Swayam Mallick has been appointed as Special Secretary in the department, while continuing as CF State Silviculturist along with his existing responsibilities.
Field-Level Transfers to Boost Administrative Efficiency
In a move to enhance field-level governance and operational efficiency, several officers have been reassigned across divisions:
- P Arthanari will continue as Conservator of Forests, Cuttack (KL) circle, with additional charge as RCCF, Bhubaneswar circle.
- Samrat Gowda has been appointed in-charge RCCF, Sambalpur, along with multiple additional roles including General Manager, OFDC and Conservator of Forests, Balangir (KL) circle.
- Sumit Kumar Kar has been posted as Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Similipal South Wildlife Division.
- Lalit Kumar Patra has been transferred as DFO, Dhenkanal division.
- Prashant Patel has been appointed DFO, Jeypore, while Ramesh Kumar takes charge as DFO, Similipal North.
New Deputy Director Appointed at Nandankanan Zoo
In another key development, Mirase Pradeep Devidas, who was serving as DFO Balangir, has been appointed as Deputy Director of Nandankanan Zoological Park – one of the state’s chief wildlife and conservation hubs.
Focus on Governance, Coordination, and Conservation
The reshuffle reflects the Odisha government’s broader strategy to:
- Strengthen administrative efficiency
- Improve coordination between departments
- Enhance forest conservation and environmental management
By placing experienced officers in strategic roles and redistributing responsibilities across key divisions, the state aims to ensure more effective implementation of policies and sustainable forest practices.
A Strategic Administrative Move
With forests playing a crucial role in Odisha’s ecological balance and economy, the reshuffle is seen as a timely administrative intervention. The reallocation of responsibilities—especially in critical areas like CAMPA, wildlife divisions, and training institutions—signals a renewed focus on both policy execution and ground-level impact.
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