Central Deputation Returns, Cadre Changes, and New Appointments Restructure Leadership Across Key Forest Divisions
The Government of Odisha has announced a major reshuffle within the Indian Forest Service (IFS), transferring 11 officers across various divisions of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change (FE&CC) Department. The changes involve significant inter-divisional postings, officer returns from central deputation, and one cadre transfer, all aimed at revitalizing leadership across key forestry and conservation zones.
The reshuffle reflects the state’s broader strategy to strengthen wildlife protection, climate resilience, and forest governance by placing experienced officers in strategically critical roles.
Key Senior-Level Appointments:
K.S. Pradeep (IFS: 2011)
Returned from Central Deputation; appointed Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary, FE&CC Department.
Poornima P (IFS: 2014)
Transferred from DFO, Khordha Division to Conservator of Forests (Afforestation), Office of PCCF & HoFF, Odisha.
Divisional Transfers – Wildlife & Territorial Reassignments:
Khushwant Singh (IFS: 2014)
Moved from DFO, Balasore (Wildlife) to DFO, Sundergarh (Territorial)
Mirase P. Devidas (IFS: 2015)
Posted from DFO, Sundergarh (Territorial) to DFO, Bolangir (Kendu Leaf)
Mid-Level Postings and Role Changes:
Vivek Kumar (IFS: 2016)
Transferred from DFO, Puri (Wildlife) to Deputy CF, Office of PCCF (Wildlife)
Magar Dhanaji Raoso (IFS: 2016)
Moved from DFO, Deogarh to DFO, Puri (Wildlife)
2017 Batch Officer Realignments:
Lade Gajanan Dayanand
From Joint Task Force to DFO, Khordha
Sai Kiran D.N
From Deputy Director, Similipal North (Wildlife) to DFO, Malkangiri (Territorial)
Pratap Kotapalli
From DFO, Malkangiri (Territorial) to DFO, Phulbani (Territorial)
2019 Batch Changes:
Prashant Patel
From DFO, Phulbani (Territorial) to Deputy Director, Similipal North (Wildlife)
Vipasha Parul (Cadre Transfer from West Bengal to Odisha)
Appointed DFO, Ghumsar (South)
Strategic Significance of the Reshuffle
This administrative overhaul comes at a time when Odisha is focusing on biodiversity conservation, afforestation, and climate-adaptive forestry practices. By strategically deploying young and experienced officers, the government aims to enhance on-ground conservation efforts, streamline forest resource management, and improve inter-departmental coordination.
Of particular note is the cadre transfer of Vipasha Parul from West Bengal to Odisha, seen as part of Odisha’s effort to induct high-performing officers into ecologically sensitive areas like Ghumsar South, known for its rich wildlife reserves and biodiversity corridors.
