Indian Forest Service: Declining Integrity and Rising Corruption

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is considered one of the most prestigious services in the country. The responsibilities of its officers extend beyond the protection of forests and wildlife; they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, conserving the environment, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding the rights of forest-dwelling communities. However, in states like Chhattisgarh, the state of the Forest Department has worsened in recent years. Officers appear to be abandoning their core responsibilities, disregarding the dignity and honor of the service.

Officers Neglecting Their Duties

There was a time when the Indian Forest Service was held in high regard, but today, it is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Corruption, bidding for postings, political appeasement, and illegal profiteering have tarnished the true purpose of this service. In their pursuit of lucrative positions, officers are willing to go to any extent. Corruption has become so deeply entrenched that when one officer engages in misconduct, another follows, making the system even more corrupt to conceal previous wrongdoings.

The forests, which these officers are meant to protect, have now become mere sources of income for them. Illegal logging, unauthorized mining, and wildlife trafficking are rampant, yet many senior officials turn a blind eye, prioritizing their personal gains over their professional responsibilities.

No Lessons Learned from Past Scandals

This is not the first time that such scandals have surfaced in the Chhattisgarh Forest Department. In 2001-02, a massive corruption case involving tendu leaf bonuses and tree felling payments emerged in the Surajpur region. At that time, the then-DFO, Agarwal, instructed his subordinates to release only 50% of the payments while preparing 100% payment records. Lower-level officers saw this as an opportunity and disbursed funds for just one or two days while getting signatures on full payment reports. When the scam was exposed, the concerned officials were suspended, but no substantial lesson was learned from the incident.

History is repeating itself today. In Sukma district, during the 2021-22 period, a ₹6.54 crore scam related to tendu leaf bonus distribution has come to light. A preliminary investigation by CCF, Jagdalpur, has already confirmed that a significant portion of the funds never reached the intended beneficiaries and remained only on paper.

Political Favoritism and the New Model of Corruption

Today’s IFS officers treat corruption like a high-stakes “T20 match.” Posting allocations have turned into auctions, where the highest bidder secures the most profitable forest divisions. Instead of focusing on protecting forests, these officers are more concerned with recovering their “investment.” As a result, once an officer secures a lucrative position, they engage in corruption on an even larger scale than their predecessors.

This moral downfall among forest officers is not only harming the environment but is also eroding the fundamental integrity of the Indian Forest Service. Today’s IFS officers must realize that a position of authority and reputation is not just a temporary phase; it is a legacy that must be preserved for future generations.

Conclusion

The current state of the Chhattisgarh Forest Department is alarming. If this trend continues, forest conservation will soon be reduced to mere paperwork. The government and administration must take strict measures, ensure transparency in postings and promotions, and take decisive action against corrupt officials. Otherwise, the day is not far when the Indian Forest Service will be reduced to just another bureaucratic framework, and forests will exist only in history books.

Chhattisgarh Forest Department: A Question of Ethics and Integrity

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is not just about protecting forests; it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between society and nature. This prestigious service is upheld by officers who fulfill their official duties with dedication and integrity. However, the current state of affairs in Chhattisgarh is alarming—IFS officers are losing their credibility, and the service is increasingly making headlines for the wrong reasons.

The Question of Position and Prestige

If we analyze the present scenario, it is evident that South Indian officers (IFS South Lobby) dominate the key positions in Chhattisgarh. While these officers hold influential postings, the real question is—are they performing their duties with fairness and honesty? If an officer spends their tenure accumulating wealth, pleasing political leaders, and engaging in the auctioning of postings, how will history remember them? Are they willing to ask themselves this question?

The true honor of any position is determined by one’s work, not by their influence or financial transactions. If an officer is more focused on personal gains rather than serving the forests and the people, they will not be remembered as an example of excellence but as a cautionary tale.

Natural Justice and Accountability

IFS officers must understand that the protection of nature and society is far greater than financial gains. While lucrative postings and powerful positions might seem like an achievement today, the real duty of this service is towards the people and the environment. One day, they will have to leave this world, whether they wish to or not—so why not work in a way that earns them respect from future generations rather than contempt?

The blame for the declining reputation of IFS in Chhattisgarh cannot be placed on a single individual or group, but it is undeniable that those in key positions bear the highest responsibility. They must reflect on whether they are upholding the dignity of the Indian Forest Service or contributing to its downfall.

The Need for Ethical Awareness

It is time for the forest officers of Chhattisgarh to introspect. Are they truly committed to forest conservation and environmental protection, or are they merely engaged in a race for power and wealth? This question demands an answer from them. Future generations and society will remember them for their actions—it is now up to them to decide whether they wish to be remembered as honest officers or as symbols of corruption.

Ultimately, the government and administration must also take this issue seriously. Transparency, accountability, and ethical values must be reinstated through concrete measures. The responsibility of preserving the dignity of the IFS and the forests of Chhattisgarh lies with the officers who hold power today. They have the choice to restore it, or else history will never forgive them.