Telangana women officers drive Vanamahotsavam plantation programme
HYDERABAD: Women officers are playing a key role in protecting forests and wildlife in Telangana, which has about 24% forest cover. They are responsible for safeguarding green cover and wildlife while leading the forest administration in the state.
Women officers rise to top roles in forest department
Women have been selected to the Indian Forest Service (IFS) since the 1980s through examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and state public service commissions. Over the years, they have taken up responsibilities in forest protection and wildlife conservation.
Today, women officers hold positions from field level to top administrative posts, playing a major role in environmental protection and forest management.
In Telangana, women officers form a significant part of the forest department’s leadership. Several senior posts are currently held by women.
Forest minister Konda Surekha leads the department. Dr C. Suvarna (IFS) serves as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force. Sunita M. Bhagavat (IFS) is the Managing Director of the Telangana Forest Development Corporation.
S. J. Asha (IFS) is Administrative Officer at the forest department headquarters. Kshitija (IFS) serves as Chief Executive Officer of Telangana Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
Women lead protection, plantation and wildlife management
Priyanka Varghese (IFS) heads the Hyderabad Forest Academy as director. Praveena (IFS) is Dean of the Forest College and Research Institute. Vasantha (IFS) serves as curator of Nehru Zoological Park, one of the largest zoo parks in India.
Women officers are also working as divisional forest officers across districts and are contributing to forest management.
At the field level, women serve as beat officers, section officers and range officers. Across the state, 1,115 women personnel are working in field positions to protect forests.
They face challenges such as encroachments on podu lands and threats from wildlife in dense forests. Despite risks to their lives, they continue to perform their duties in forest protection.
Some male employees recruited as beat officers leave the service for various reasons. However, such cases are rare among women employees. Most women officers continue working in the department from recruitment until retirement.
Vanamahotsavam aims to increase green cover
The Telangana government launched Vanamahotsavam with a target of increasing green cover to 33% of the state’s geographical area. The programme is a key initiative of the forest department.
Every year, the department aims to plant around 20 crore saplings. Forest officers coordinate with various government departments to expand tree cover across the state.
Working in forests involves risks, isolation and difficult conditions. Despite these challenges, women officers continue to work alongside men and often take on additional responsibilities.
Women are not only caretakers of families but also protectors of nature. Many officers say they view forests not merely as a profession but as a responsibility, protecting trees and wildlife as part of their duty.
Their role in forest conservation remains a strong pillar for Telangana’s environmental protection.
