Jaipur: The Rajasthan government on Friday executed a major reshuffle in the Forest Department, transferring 33 Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, assigning additional charge to four officers, and posting two APO officers. The extensive bureaucratic movement aims to streamline administration, strengthen field operations, and address recent dissatisfaction expressed by the state leadership.
In the most prominent move, PCCF (Wildlife) Shikha Mehra has been transferred to the post of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Development).
Action Triggered After Non-Compliance With CM’s Orders
Sources indicate that the transfers of 1993 batch IFS officer Shikha Mehra and 1997 batch IFS officer Rajesh Kumar Gupta were influenced by a recent incident where both officers reportedly failed to comply with Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s directive to open Forest Department guest houses to tourists.
The Chief Minister and Forest Minister expressed strong displeasure over the delay, leading to disciplinary instructions. Now, both officers have been moved to new postings.
Key Appointments at the Top Level
Dr. Venkatesh Sharma Becomes MD of Forest Development Corporation
APCCF Dr. Venkatesh Sharma has been appointed Managing Director, Rajasthan State Forest Development Corporation Limited.
Uday Shankar, earlier MD of APCCF Production and Forest Development Limited, has been shifted as APCCF & CEO, CAMP, Jaipur.
Rajesh Kumar Gupta Moved to Externally Aided Project
APCCF (Wildlife) Rajesh Kumar Gupta has been transferred as APCCF, Externally Aided Project, Jaipur.
KCA Arun Prasad has been moved from APCCF FCI to the crucial post of Chief Wildlife Warden, Jaipur.
Other APCCF-Level Changes
- TJ Kavitha has been appointed APCCF & Nodal Officer, FCA, Jaipur, replacing her previous role in Development.
- Rajiv Chaturvedi, earlier CCF Jaipur, takes charge as Member Secretary, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board, Jaipur.
Big Changes in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Management
The reshuffle carries major implications for Rajasthan’s most high-profile wildlife reserve—Ranthambore Tiger Project.
Sharda Pratap Singh Takes Over as Ranthambore Director
Former Member Secretary of the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board Sharda Pratap Singh has been appointed Director & Chief Conservator of Forests, Ranthambore Tiger Project.
He replaces Anoop K.R., who has now been transferred as Chief Conservator of Forests, Jodhpur.
Kapil Chandrawal Joins Pollution Control Board
Kapil Chandrawal has replaced Sharda Pratap Singh as Member Secretary, Rajasthan Pollution Control Board. Chandrawal previously served as Joint Project Director, RBDC.
New Postings in JDA and Training Institutes
- Monali Sen, Conservator of Forests (JDA), has been moved to the post of Chief Minister’s Wildlife, Jaipur.
- In her place, IFS Anita, who was on APO, has been posted as Conservator of Forests, JDA.
- Akanksha Mahajan, also on APO, has been appointed Chief Conservator of Forests & Director, Rajasthan Forestry and Wildlife Training Institute, Jaipur.
DFO-Level Changes to Strengthen Field Operations
- Ranthambore DFO Rammanand Bhakar has been transferred to Rajsamand.
- Bharatpur DFO Manas Singh has been appointed the new DFO of Ranthambore.
These moves are aimed at increasing the efficiency and speed of field-level wildlife management.
