Lucknow: Continuing its ongoing administrative restructuring across departments, the Uttar Pradesh government has carried out a major reshuffle in the Forest Department, transferring 14 Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers and changing the postings of nine Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs).
The transfers come shortly after a series of reshuffles involving IAS and PCS officers in the state and are being viewed as part of the government’s efforts to improve administrative efficiency, strengthen field-level management and accelerate departmental functioning.
The latest orders issued by the Forest Department involve changes across several important forest divisions, including Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Unnao, Varanasi, Saharanpur, Bijnor and Jhansi.
Major Changes at DFO Level
The reshuffle has resulted in the transfer and posting of DFOs across nine districts and forest divisions.
Key DFO Transfers
- Divya, DFO Kanpur, has been transferred as DFO, Jaunpur.
- Vikas Yadav, DFO Gorakhpur, has been posted to the Jhansi Forest Division.
- Shubham Singh, DFO Saharanpur, has been appointed as the new DFO of Gorakhpur.
- Swati, DFO Varanasi, has been transferred to Unnao.
- Arushi Mishra, who was serving as DFO Unnao, has been transferred to the Kaimur Wildlife Division, Mirzapur.
- Nidhi Chauhan, DFO Badaun, has been appointed as DFO Varanasi.
- Chandni Singh, DFO National Chambal Sanctuary, has been posted as DFO Saharanpur.
- Akanksha Jain, DFO Azamgarh, has been appointed as DFO Kanpur.
- Prithviraj KSB, DFO Ballia, has been transferred as DFO, Bijnor Forest Division (Najibabad).
The changes affect several strategically important forest divisions and wildlife management zones across the state.
Additional Responsibilities Assigned to Senior Officers
Along with transfers, the government has entrusted several officers with additional responsibilities.
Sujay Banerjee Gets Additional Charge
Sujay Banerjee, currently serving as General Manager (Personnel) in the Forest Corporation, has been assigned the additional responsibility of General Manager (Production).
H. Rajamohan Receives Additional Assignment
H. Rajamohan, Field Director of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, has been given additional charge as Regional Manager, Forest Corporation (Kheri) while continuing in his present role.
Ganesh Bhatt Returns from Central Deputation
Senior IFS officer Ganesh Bhatt, who recently returned from central deputation, has been appointed as:
Chief Conservator of Forests (Human Resources)
He has also been assigned additional responsibilities as:
- Chief Conservator of Forests (Projects)
- Chief Conservator of Forests (Security & Vigilance)
Changes in Forest Corporation
A.K. Kashyap, who was serving as Regional Manager of the Forest Corporation in Gorakhpur, has been transferred to Lucknow.
Meanwhile, Suraj, Director of the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park, has been entrusted with the additional charge of Regional Manager, Forest Corporation, Gorakhpur.
Administrative Overhaul Underway
Officials indicated that the transfers are part of a broader administrative exercise aimed at enhancing governance and ensuring efficient implementation of departmental programmes.
The state government has recently undertaken multiple rounds of transfers involving IAS, PCS and now IFS officers, signalling a continued focus on administrative realignment.
Forest Department sources said the reshuffle is expected to improve coordination, field-level supervision and execution of conservation, wildlife protection and forest management initiatives.
Separate Action in Jal Nigam: Executive Engineer Suspended
In another significant administrative development, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken disciplinary action against an officer of the Jal Nigam (Rural).
Engineer Suspended for Non-Compliance
Executive Engineer Narendra Verma has been suspended with immediate effect for allegedly failing to comply with transfer orders.
According to officials, Verma was transferred from Badaun to Sonbhadra on April 9, 2026. However, despite repeated notices and reminders, he reportedly did not join his new posting within the stipulated period.
Officials stated that he neither complied with the transfer order nor provided a satisfactory explanation for the delay.
Departmental Inquiry Ordered
Following the suspension, Dr. Rajshekhar, Managing Director of Jal Nigam (Rural), has ordered a departmental disciplinary inquiry.
Chief Engineer Visheshwar Prasad has been appointed as the inquiry officer.
During the suspension period, Narendra Verma has been attached to the office of the Chief Engineer, Agra Zone.
Focus on Accountability and Administrative Efficiency
The latest actions in both the Forest Department and Jal Nigam indicate the government’s emphasis on administrative accountability, timely compliance with official orders and strengthening institutional governance.
Officials believe that the reshuffle of IFS officers and disciplinary measures against non-compliant officers are part of a broader effort to ensure effective service delivery and improved departmental functioning across Uttar Pradesh.
