Bhopal, August 24, 2026

Madhya Pradesh will bring modern technology deeper into forest management and undertake fresh recruitment to strengthen its field workforce, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said on Monday. The announcement came as 4,506 Forest Department officers and employees received promotions, ending a long wait for career advancement across several cadres.

Addressing a felicitation programme organised by promoted forest personnel at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, Dr Yadav said the department has 25,389 sanctioned posts, while more than 18,000 employees are currently working. The government has ordered recruitment against vacancies as it moves towards technology-driven management of forests and wildlife.

The Chief Minister personally pinned stars on some of the promoted personnel during the programme. A short film highlighting the work of frontline forest protection staff was also screened. The promotion exercise covers 188 Assistant Conservators of Forests, 2,821 foresters, 761 Deputy Rangers and 736 officers and employees from other cadres.

Dr Yadav said promotions recognise the commitment of government employees and also bring greater responsibility. He acknowledged the contribution of families of forest personnel, particularly those working for long periods in difficult field conditions.

Madhya Pradesh's large forest and wildlife base makes manpower particularly important. According to Principal Secretary, Forest, Raghvendra Kumar Singh, forests cover 30.72 per cent of the state's geographical area. Madhya Pradesh has nine tiger reserves and 26 wildlife sanctuaries. The state has also expanded its protected areas in recent years. Ratapani and Madhav Tiger Reserve have been added to its tiger reserve network, while new conservation initiatives include the state's first Tapti Conservation Reserve.

The department is using an AI-based Gaj Rakshak system for elephant monitoring, while forest maps are being integrated with the PM GatiShakti initiative. Technology and mapping are also being used for wildlife management and other conservation work.

The state's cheetah programme has added another layer to forest management. Madhya Pradesh already has some of the country's most important tiger and leopard habitats, while the return of cheetahs has brought new responsibilities for monitoring, habitat management and protection.

Dr Yadav said development and conservation have to move together. Forests, rivers, biodiversity and wildlife must be protected so that future generations inherit a better natural environment.

The government is also expanding plantation and community-linked programmes. Singh said more than 5.62 crore saplings have been planted in Madhya Pradesh this year under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative. Approval has also been given for 94 Van Vatikas across 43 districts.

Several promoted employees spoke about the long-awaited career progression and thanked the government for the decision. The Chief Minister described frontline forest staff as the state's “green soldiers”, pointing to their role in protecting forests, wildlife and communities living around forest areas.

The next step will be to fill vacant posts while expanding the use of technology in field management. With a large forest area, growing protected-area network and wildlife programmes ranging from tigers to cheetahs and elephants, the government is looking to combine stronger manpower with modern monitoring tools for the next phase of forest management in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation chairman Ramnivas Rawat and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF-HoFF) Subha Ranjan Sen were among the important participants, along with senior officials, experts and other stakeholders.