Manish Kashyap: The Green Guardian of Chhattisgarh’s Forests
In the heart of India’s lush wilderness, where the rustling leaves whisper tales of resilience and the rivers hum songs of eternity, stands a man whose life is intertwined with nature’s rhythm—Manish Kashyap. A proud officer of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) from the 2015 batch, Chhattisgarh Cadre, Manish is more than just a bureaucrat in khaki; he is a torchbearer of environmental stewardship, a protector of biodiversity, and a visionary shaping the future of India’s forests.
Early Life: Roots in Resilience
Born with an innate curiosity for the natural world, Manish Kashyap grew up in a land where the simplicity of rural life met the grandeur of untamed landscapes. While details of his childhood remain private, one can imagine a young Manish gazing at the towering sal trees or listening to the calls of the wild, planting the seeds of a lifelong passion. His journey wasn’t one of privilege handed on a platter—it was carved through determination, intellect, and an unyielding spirit to serve a greater cause.
A brilliant student with a sharp mind, Manish excelled academically, balancing his love for books with an unspoken bond with nature. His decision to pursue the prestigious Indian Forest Service wasn’t a mere career choice; it was a calling—a promise to safeguard the ecosystems that cradle life itself.
The Making of an IFS Officer
Cracking the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination—one of India’s toughest gateways to civil services—is no small feat. For Manish Kashyap, the year 2015 marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter. Selected for the IFS, he joined the elite league of officers tasked with preserving India’s ecological heritage. Assigned to the Chhattisgarh Cadre, he stepped into a state known for its dense forests, vibrant tribal cultures, and a biodiversity hotspot teeming with challenges and opportunities.
His training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehradun honed his skills—transforming him from a nature enthusiast into a seasoned professional. From mastering forest management techniques to understanding wildlife conservation laws, Manish emerged as a dynamic officer ready to tackle the complexities of his role. The 2015 batch became a symbol of fresh energy in the IFS, and Manish Kashyap was among its brightest stars.
A Career Defined by Action
Manish’s career in Chhattisgarh has been nothing short of inspiring. Starting with grassroots assignments, he quickly rose through the ranks, proving his mettle as a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). One of his notable postings was as the DFO of Surajpur, where his leadership came under the spotlight. In 2022, during Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s public interaction drive, “Bhent Mulaqat,” Manish faced a moment of reckoning when villagers raised concerns about forest department inefficiencies. The result? A suspension that made headlines. Yet, true to his resilient spirit, this setback became a stepping stone. It highlighted his accountability and spurred him to refine his approach, earning him respect as an officer who learns, adapts, and grows.
By March 2024, Manish was back in action, posted as the DFO of Manendragarh—a testament to his unwavering commitment. Here, in one of Chhattisgarh’s forest-rich districts, he took on the mantle of protecting the region’s flora and fauna with renewed vigor. From combating illegal logging to fostering community-led conservation, his work reflects a blend of administrative acumen and a deep-rooted love for the environment.
Championing Chhattisgarh’s Wilderness
Chhattisgarh, often called the “rice bowl of India,” is also a treasure trove of natural wonders. With over 44% of its land under forest cover, the state is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and countless species of birds and plants. Manish Kashyap’s role as an IFS officer places him at the forefront of preserving this ecological marvel. Whether it’s managing human-wildlife conflicts in the dense jungles of Bastar or promoting sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities, his efforts resonate with the ethos of the IFS—balancing development with conservation.
His tenure has seen innovative initiatives: afforestation drives that breathe life into degraded lands, wildlife protection programs that safeguard endangered species, and awareness campaigns that inspire locals to become stewards of their environment. Manish’s ability to connect with people—be it forest guards on the ground or policymakers in boardrooms—sets him apart as a leader who bridges gaps and builds hope.
The Man Behind the Uniform
Beyond the khaki uniform and the weight of responsibility, Manish Kashyap is a man of quiet strength and profound vision. Colleagues describe him as approachable yet resolute, someone who listens as intently as he leads. His days are long—filled with field visits, strategy meetings, and the occasional stillness of a forest dawn—but he thrives in this rhythm. For Manish, every rustle in the undergrowth, every footprint in the soil, tells a story worth preserving.
While his personal life remains a private sanctuary, it’s easy to imagine him unwinding with a book on ecology or perhaps sharing tales of the wild with friends and family. His journey reflects the essence of an IFS officer: a life dedicated not just to duty, but to a legacy of green.
A Legacy in the Making
As of March 15, 2025, Manish Kashyap stands at a pivotal point in his career. At a decade into his service, he has already left an indelible mark on Chhattisgarh’s forests. Yet, his story is far from complete. With ambitions to rise to higher echelons—perhaps as a Conservator of Forests or even a Principal Chief Conservator—Manish’s future promises even greater contributions to India’s environmental landscape.
In a world grappling with climate change and habitat loss, officers like Manish Kashyap are the unsung heroes holding the line. His journey is a reminder that behind every thriving forest, there’s a heart beating for its survival. For Manish, the forests of Chhattisgarh aren’t just a workplace—they’re a living, breathing testament to his purpose.