Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that officers and employees of the Forest Department play a vital role in protecting water, forests, vegetation and wildlife. He said that nature has blessed Madhya Pradesh with unparalleled forest wealth along with its natural beauty. These forests are an important part of Madhya Pradesh’s identity in India and across the world, and forest personnel are working with dedication to protect them. The Chief Minister said that forest officers and employees have also benefited from the state government’s decision to grant promotions to government employees. He said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has a government committed to good governance. Participation of youth in every sector is essential for good governance.” The Chief Minister said that promotion is recognition of an employee’s dedication and commitment to duty. A total of 4,506 Forest Department officers and employees have been promoted. He said the promotions granted across departments have brought a sense of satisfaction among government employees.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said 25,389 posts are sanctioned in the Forest Department, of which more than 18,000 are currently filled. He said, “We want to integrate forest management with cutting-edge technology. Therefore, along with promotions, we have issued orders for fresh recruitment to fill the vacancies created.” The Chief Minister was addressing a felicitation and thanksgiving ceremony organised by promoted officers and employees of the Forest Department at the Indian Institute of Forest Management in Bhopal on Monday. Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation, Shri Ramniwas Rawat, was also present.
Forest Personnel Are ‘Sons of Nature’ and ‘Green Soldiers’
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said, describing field officers and employees of the Forest Department as “Sons of Nature” and “Green Soldiers,” that he was delighted to be among them. He said Madhya Pradesh has inherited rich biodiversity as part of India’s mega-biodiverse landscape. Through the dedication of its forest personnel, the state has emerged as a role model in forest and wildlife conservation.
“Madhya Pradesh is identified with water, forests and wildlife, and the Forest Department has set an example in their conservation,” he said. This dedication has earned Madhya Pradesh the distinction of being the Tiger State, Leopard State, Gharial State, Vulture State and now Cheetah State.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the promotions had brought the long-awaited reward for years of service in the Forest Department. Those promoted include 188 Assistant Conservators of Forests, 2,821 Forest Rangers, 761 Deputy Forest Rangers and 736 officers and employees from other cadres. The Chief Minister congratulated all the promoted officers and employees and also expressed gratitude to their family members for their support and sacrifices.
Madhya Pradesh Leads the Country in Wildlife Conservation
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said Madhya Pradesh is today at the forefront of wildlife conservation in the country. Buffaloes have also returned to the state’s forests. He said, “The forests and wildlife of Madhya Pradesh are admired across the world.” Forest personnel work with unwavering commitment to protect forests, mountains, wildlife and rivers. They are a strong protective wall safeguarding the state’s forest wealth while also caring for communities living in forest areas. The Chief Minister said, “Human life and forests are interdependent. Our endeavour is to pass on to future generations something even better than what we inherited.” He added that Madhya Pradesh is blessed with abundant rivers despite having no glaciers. He said, “We have the privilege of giving the next generation the best possible gift.” Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that development will be complete only when forests and biodiversity are protected, rivers are conserved, and the environment remains secure for future generations.
30.72% of State’s Geographical Area Under Forest Cover
Principal Secretary, Forests, Shri Raghvendra Kumar Singh said that, owing to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav’s strong resolve, 4,506 officers and employees of the Forest Department have been promoted, along with employees of other departments. He said conservation of Madhya Pradesh’s forests and wildlife is a special priority for the Chief Minister. Forests cover 30.72% of the state’s geographical area. The state’s nine tiger reserves and 26 wildlife sanctuaries are an integral part of its identity. He said, Madhya Pradesh is the heartland of India for tourism and, given its vast forest and wildlife wealth, is also known as the Lungs of India.” The Chief Minister informed that the Ratapani (Dr. V.S. Wakankar) and Madhav Tiger Reserves, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sanctuary and the state’s first Tapti Conservation Reserve have been established in recent months. Efforts are underway to further strengthen the state’s cheetah project, monitor elephants through the Gaj Rakshak AI system, use forest maps for the PM Gati Shakti project, and promote modern technology and innovation.
Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, more than 5.62 crore saplings have been planted in Madhya Pradesh so far this year. Approval has been granted for 94 Van Vatikas across 43 districts. Payments are also being regularly disbursed to tendu leaf collectors in the state.
Promotions Have Given Fresh Energy to Forest Personnel
Speaking on behalf of the promoted employees, Assistant Conservator of Forests Shri Rajneesh Shukla expressed gratitude and said the decision to grant promotions has infused thousands of department employees with renewed energy and enthusiasm to work harder. He thanked the Chief Minister for the historic decision. Promoted Forest Ranger Shri Dinesh Nagar, Deputy Forest Ranger Smt. Seema Rajgaud and Forest Ranger Smt. Kalpana Gaud also thanked Dr. Yadav for giving them the “gift of promotion” ahead of Raksha Bandhan. Promoted Forest Ranger Shri Ramdas Solanki said, “His promotion had brought immense happiness to his community, family and relatives.” The department presented a memento to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Shri Shubharanjan Sen, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Administration) Shri Ajay Yadav, along with senior departmental officers and promoted officers and employees, were present at the event.
