Rejig shows CM’s visionary approach towards wildlife

Jaipur: By undertaking a major administrative reshuffle in the forest department, where 44 IFS officers were shifted, the Bhajan Lal Sharma government has shown its thinking, intention, and sensitivity regarding forest and wildlife conservation.

IFS Rajesh Gupta, Principal OSD to former CM Ashok Gehlot, has been made Chief Wildlife Warden. He replaces Arindam Tomar, who is set to retire in July.

Gupta was the DCF of Sariska and Field Director of Ranthambore and with his extensive experience in wildlife, many innovations are expected.

The vision of Shikhar Aggarwal, ACS to CM, is visible in this IFS transfer list. Aggarwal has been in Forest and Environment Dept for a long time and is aware of the status and needs of all Reserves.

After Forest and Environment Minister Sanjay Sharma recently reprimanded officers of Ranthambore and Sariska for their tussle the transfer list looked inevitable.

Ranthambore field director P Kathirvel and DCF Mohit Gupta have been removed while Anup KR and Dr Ramanand Bhakar have been appointed in their place respectively. Sariska FD RN Meena and DCF Devendra Jagawat have been removed and replaced by Mahendra Sharma who gets a free hand on both posts. 12 CCF, 6 CF and 21 DCF have been changed with this list.