TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 14, 2026: Probationary officers of the 2024 batch of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai at the Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhavan) here on Wednesday. Congratulating the young officers on their induction into one of the country’s most prestigious services, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes for their future responsibilities and professional journey. Notably, two of the probationers belong to Durg and Dantewada districts of Chhattisgarh, adding to the state’s pride.
Interacting with the officers, Shri Sai underlined the critical importance of the Indian Forest Service in Chhattisgarh, noting that nearly 44 per cent of the state’s geographical area is covered by forests. He said these forests are not only home to rich biodiversity and wildlife but also form the backbone of the livelihood, culture and social life of a large section of the population, particularly in tribal regions. “In such a state, the responsibility of forest officers becomes even more significant,” the Chief Minister said.
Encouraging the probationers, Shri Sai described their current phase as a “golden opportunity” to learn from the field and understand the realities of forest management, conservation and community engagement. He urged them to undergo their training with complete dedication, sincerity and a sense of service, adding that their role would be crucial in balancing conservation with sustainable development.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Shri V. Srinivas Rao, informed the Chief Minister that six IFS probationers have been deputed to Chhattisgarh from the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun, for a 16-week on-the-job training programme. The officers have been posted across forest divisions in Bastar, Raigarh, Dhamtari, Rajnandgaon, Katghora and Jashpur districts.
The training programme, scheduled from January 5 to April 25, 2026, is designed to provide the probationers with extensive field-level exposure to forest administration, wildlife management, community forestry, protection of forest resources and implementation of conservation policies. The hands-on experience, officials said, will help the officers gain practical insights into the unique ecological and social challenges of Chhattisgarh.
Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, MLA Shri Bhaiyalal Rajwade, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Smt. Shalini Raina, Chief Conservator of Forests, Raipur, Shri Mani Vasagan S, and probationary officers Akshay Jain, Kunal Mishra, M. Jalinder Yadav, Parakh Sarda, Preeti Yadav and Yashasvi Maurya were present during the interaction.
The meeting reflected the state government’s emphasis on strengthening forest governance and grooming a new generation of committed officers to safeguard Chhattisgarh’s rich natural heritage while supporting inclusive and sustainable development.
