Graduate Forest Officers Association

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

We share this land with creatures that have lived here long before us- and with many whose lives are deeply woven into the landscapes around us.

India is home to all of them. And that makes it richer.

08/10/2026

is about celebrating wildlife, but also the work that gives it a future.

This week, two captive-bred male Great Indian Bustards have been released in the Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, marking a new phase in India’s efforts to bring the Godawan back to the wild.

08/10/2026

NEWS DESK
NGFOA Delegation Holds Important Meeting with PCCF/HoFF J&K
Today, a team of NGFOA, under the guidance of Sh. Rajinder Singh Parihar, State President, J&K UT, met the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), J&K UT, at the PCCF Office, Narwal, Jammu.
The delegation included Sh. G. N. Waar, General Secretary, State NGFOA, and Sh. S. Gurcharan Singh, Provincial President, Jammu Province.
During the meeting, several important issues concerning Forest Department employees were discussed:
1. Reorganisation of the Forest Department:
NGFOA raised the issue of the proposed reorganisation of the Forest Department. The PCCF/HoFF informed the delegation that the proposal has already been forwarded to the Government. The Government has sought certain details regarding Forest Guards and Foresters, which are currently being prepared and will be submitted to the Government shortly.
2. DPC of Foresters:
NGFOA strongly raised the issue of conducting the DPC of Foresters at the earliest. The PCCF/HoFF gave a positive response and assured the delegation that the DPC would be conducted soon.
3. Charge Allowance for In-charge Range Officers:
NGFOA requested that Charge Allowance be granted to In-charge Range Officers. The PCCF/HoFF asked NGFOA to submit a written representation in this regard and assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up with the Government.
4. Exemption from Training for Forest Guards Aged 55 Years and Above:
NGFOA also raised the important issue of Forest Guards who have attained the age of 55 years or above, pointing out that undergoing training at this stage of service is extremely difficult for them.
After detailed discussion, the PCCF/HoFF took a positive view of the matter and assured the delegation that necessary orders/proceedings would be initiated to exempt Forest Guards aged 55 years and above from the training requirement.
5. Pay Anomaly:
NGFOA also raised the long-pending issue of Pay Anomaly affecting Forest Department employees. The delegation requested that the matter be taken up at the appropriate level and resolved at the earliest in the interest of the employees. The PCCF/HoFF gave a positive response and assured the delegation that the issue would be looked into and taken up with the concerned authorities.
The meeting was held from 4:00 PM to 4:35 PM and remained very positive and cordial throughout.
The NGFOA team expressed its appreciation for the positive and cooperative response of the PCCF/HoFF towards the issues raised by the Association.

Regards,
Mohammad Khurshid
NGFOA Jammu Province

08/10/2026

Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Department of Forests, Ecology and Environment, J&K, Sheetal Nanda (IAS) chairs a review meeting at Forest Complex, Sheikh Bagh Srinagar:

Sheetal Nanda (IAS), Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Department of Forests, Ecology and Environment chaired a meeting at Forest Complex, Sheikh Bagh Srinagar to review the progress made in the Kashmir Division by the Forest Territorial and Wildlife wings of the department in respect of the Physical/financial targets/achievements of all the ongoing/new works under UT Capex Budget 2026-27.

07/10/2026

Kuno National Park has welcomed new guests. Female cheetah KJP21 has given birth to 5 cubs. Both the mother and the cubs are healthy. Forest officials are closely monitoring them. The birth marks another success for the cheetah reintroduction project in India.

06/10/2026

From forests and grasslands to wetlands and rivers, every habitat has a life of its own. And every life adds a new chapter to India’s wild story.

This , let’s celebrate the many homes that make India’s wildlife so extraordinary.

06/10/2026

03/10/2026

Wildlife and its habitats are deeply connected. Healthy habitats create the space for diverse species to live, flourish and continue their journey.

This , let’s celebrate that connection.

03/10/2026

PCCF & HoFF tours Kishtwar and Doda Forest Divisions - reviews Forest Works, Plantation Targets, and Civil-Forest Coordination.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Jammu and Kashmir, recently concluded a an extensive tour of the Chenab Circle, reviewing forest management, infrastructure protection, and green initiatives across Kishtwar and Doda divisions.
During the visit, the PCCF was accompanied by the Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, along with the Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) of the Chenab Circle and other senior field officers.
Key Highlights and Review Points of the Visit were as under:
* Nursery Management: The PCCF inspected local forest nurseries, giving explicit directions to upgrade stock quality, adopt scientific bed-preparation techniques, and ensure robust sapling availability for upcoming plantation drives.
* Ceremonial Plantations: Ceremonial plantation drives were jointly inaugurated and carried out at Chatroo (Kishtwar) and Batote (Doda/Ramban belt), emphasizing community involvement and local ecological enrichment.
* Consolidation and Demarcation: A detailed review of the progress on forest boundary consolidation and demarcation was conducted. Strict instructions were issued to field officers to complete the balance works of Boundary Pillar (BP) installation within the stipulated timeline of the current financial year.
* Slope Stabilization along Highways: Highlighting vulnerable terrain along regional roads and highways, the PCCF instructed teams to prioritize slope stabilization by planting deep-rooted, soil-binding native tree species to mitigate landslides and soil erosion.
* District Administration Interaction: A high-level interactive meeting was held with the local district administration in Kishtwar, particularly with the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar. Discussions focused on collaborative forest protection, resolving land-use or encroachment bottlenecks, and institutionalizing smooth liaison channels between field forest officials and the civil administration.
* Hydroelectric Projects & Environmental Safeguards: The visit included a review of ongoing and upcoming hydroelectric projects in the Chenab basin. The PCCF stressed the strict enforcement of environmental safeguards, and timely compliance with Forest Conservation Act (FCA) norms, and mitigation of ecological footprints.
* Plantation Targets & Survival Rate: Field officers were directed to achieve 100% completion of annual plantation targets during the current financial year. Special emphasis was laid on post-plantation care, moisture conservation, and maximizing the survival percentage of saplings rather than mere numbers.
In his concluding remarks, the PCCF urged all frontline staff and officers to work with utmost dedication, transparency, and synergy with local stakeholders to safeguard the rich green wealth of the Chenab region.