The Odisha government has carried out a significant reshuffle in the Indian Forest Service (IFS), introducing key changes across the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department.
As part of this administrative overhaul, senior officer G Rajesh has been appointed as the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) (Nodal).
A 2001-batch IFS officer, Rajesh is currently serving as Additional PCCF (PP&A) and CEO of CAMPA. His new role is expected to strengthen coordination and implementation of forest and environmental initiatives across the state.
Key Appointments and Additional Responsibilities
Several senior officers have been reassigned to important roles:
- T Ashok Kumar, previously 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, 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 and holding other existing roles.
Field-Level Transfers Across Divisions
The reshuffle also includes several field-level postings aimed at improving administrative efficiency:
- P Arthanari will continue as Conservator of Forests, Cuttack (KL) circle, along with additional charge as RCCF, Bhubaneswar circle.
- Samrat Gowda has been appointed in-charge RCCF, Sambalpur, with multiple additional responsibilities, including GM 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 to Dhenkanal division as DFO.
- Prashant Patel has been posted as DFO, Jeypore, while Ramesh Kumar has been appointed DFO, Similipal North.
New Appointment at Nandankanan Zoo
In another key development, Mirase Pradeep Devidas, currently serving as DFO Balangir, has been appointed as the new Deputy Director of Nandankanan Zoological Park, a major wildlife and conservation hub in the state.
Focus on Administrative Efficiency and Conservation
The reshuffle reflects the government’s focus on strengthening governance, improving coordination, and enhancing conservation efforts across Odisha. By assigning experienced officers to strategic roles, the state aims to boost environmental management and sustainable forest practices.
