Historic All-Women IFS Leadership Meets Environment Secretary to Chart Future of Forest Protection

New Delhi: In a significant step towards enhancing environmental governance, the newly elected National Executive Body of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Association recently met with the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the Director General of Forests & Special Secretary (DGF&SS). The meeting focused on exchanging ideas, seeking guidance, and reaffirming the IFS’s commitment to conserving India’s natural heritage.

Strengthening the Commitment to Conservation

The Indian Forest Service, responsible for protecting India’s forests, biodiversity, and wildlife, plays a pivotal role in national environmental sustainability. During the meeting, the new leadership reiterated their dedication to advancing forest conservation, wildlife protection, and climate action initiatives, while addressing challenges like climate change and resource depletion.

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Aligning Priorities with National Environmental Goals

Discussions emphasized harmonizing the IFS’s efforts with the government’s broader vision of sustainable development. The team highlighted the importance of community involvement, scientific research, and capacity building to improve operational effectiveness in forest and wildlife management.

Historic All-Women Leadership at the Helm

This important engagement follows a landmark election in which the IFS Association, for the first time in its history, elected an all-women National Executive Body. This historic achievement underscores progressive gender representation in India’s civil services.

The newly elected leaders include:

Anita Karn (President, 1997 batch, Gujarat cadre)Monalisa Dash (Secretary General, 2003 batch, Sikkim cadre)Dr. Surbhi Rai (Joint Secretary, 2005 batch)Suveena Thakur (Treasurer, 2014 batch, Himachal Pradesh cadre)Chestha Singh (Literary Secretary, 2018 batch)Jyotsna Sitling (Patron)

Vision for Inclusive and Innovative Forest Management

Under this dynamic leadership, the IFS Association aims to promote inclusive governance, improve gender representation in forestry, and introduce innovative strategies that balance ecological priorities with social development goals.

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Government’s Support and Future Collaboration

The Secretary MoEF&CC and DGF&SS welcomed the new team warmly and reiterated their support for the IFS’s vital role in India’s environmental protection efforts. Both parties pledged continued cooperation to build a resilient and sustainable future for India’s forests and communities.

With this renewed leadership and clear vision, the Indian Forest Service is poised to continue its pioneering role in safeguarding India’s natural heritage — a mission increasingly crucial in today’s environmental landscape.