In the verdant tapestry of India’s environmental landscape, few figures shine as brightly as Mr. G. Rajesh, a 2001-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer whose career is a vibrant blend of ecological dedication and administrative prowess. From his early days navigating Odisha’s rugged terrains to his current role as Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary to the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department, Rajesh’s journey is a compelling narrative of grit, innovation, and an unyielding love for nature. As of April 1, 2025, his story continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark on India’s conservation efforts and sustainable development initiatives.
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Early Life: A Seed Planted in Odisha’s Soil
Born and raised in Odisha, A land where rivers dance through forests and wildlife thrives in harmony, G. Rajesh was destined to become a guardian of nature. Growing up in a modest household, he was surrounded by the state’s rich biodiversity—its sprawling mangroves, majestic tigers, and ancient trees whispering tales of resilience. As a child, Rajesh found solace in the outdoors, often wandering through local forests with a keen eye for the intricate web of life. His parents, hardworking and deeply rooted in community values, nurtured his curiosity, encouraging him to see the environment not just as a resource, but as a legacy to protect.
Education became his ladder to impact. Rajesh excelled academically, earning a degree in science that fueled his passion for understanding ecosystems. His sharp intellect and determination led him to the prestigious Indian Forest Service examination, which he cleared in 2001, joining the Odisha cadre. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey, one where his roots in Odisha would intertwine with a national mission to safeguard the planet.
The Making of an IFS Officer
Rajesh’s induction into the IFS was a baptism by fire. His training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehradun was rigorous, immersing him in forestry, wildlife management, and environmental policy. With a mind as sharp as a machete and a heart attuned to nature’s rhythm, he emerged as an officer ready to tackle the wild unknowns. His early postings in Odisha thrust him into the thick of action—managing forest divisions, combating illegal logging, and fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.
One of his first assignments was in a remote forest division, where he faced the twin challenges of poaching and habitat loss. Rajesh didn’t just enforce laws; he built bridges. He engaged with local tribes, listening to their needs and weaving their livelihoods into conservation plans. His hands-on approach—trekking through dense jungles, mapping terrains, and sleeping under starlit skies—earned him respect from both rangers and villagers. Colleagues recall his infectious energy, often saying, “Rajesh didn’t just work for the forest; he lived it.”
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A Trailblazer in Mining and Environment
Rajesh’s career took a significant turn when he was appointed Director of Mines in Odisha, a role that tested his ability to balance industrial demands with ecological integrity. Odisha, a mineral-rich state, is a crucible of economic growth and environmental tension. Rajesh stepped into this high-stakes arena with a clear vision: development must not come at nature’s expense. Overseeing mining operations, he introduced stringent environmental safeguards, ensuring that extraction left minimal scars on the land. His policies curbed illegal mining, restored degraded sites, and set a benchmark for sustainable resource management.
His tenure as Director of Mines was marked by innovation. Rajesh championed the use of technology—drones for surveillance, GIS for mapping, and data analytics to monitor compliance. He collaborated with geologists, engineers, and environmentalists, forging a multidisciplinary approach that became a model for other states. Yet, he never lost sight of the human element, advocating for fair rehabilitation of communities displaced by mining. His leadership transformed a contentious sector into a space where progress and preservation could coexist.
Rising to New Heights: Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary
In a testament to his versatility, G. Rajesh was recently posted as Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary to the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department in Odisha, a role he assumed by April 2025. This appointment reflects his evolution from a field officer to a strategic policymaker. Now, he shapes the state’s environmental agenda, tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development with the same fervor that defined his early years.
Rajesh’s current role is a symphony of challenges and opportunities. He oversees policies that protect Odisha’s ecosystems—its wetlands, forests, and coastal zones—while addressing the pressing realities of a warming planet. Under his stewardship, initiatives like mangrove restoration, wildlife corridor preservation, and renewable energy adoption have gained momentum. He’s a vocal advocate for climate resilience, pushing for adaptive strategies that shield both nature and people from erratic weather patterns. His office buzzes with activity—meetings with scientists, dialogues with policymakers, and field visits to ensure his vision takes root.
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The Man Behind the Mission
At his core, G. Rajesh is a man of action and reflection. Tall and wiry, with a gaze that reflects years of witnessing nature’s highs and lows, he carries an aura of quiet authority. His colleagues describe him as approachable yet resolute, a leader who inspires through example. “He’s the kind of officer who’ll draft a policy in the morning and check a tiger’s paw prints by dusk,” one ranger quips. His love for wildlife shines through in personal anecdotes—he’s been known to pause meetings to identify a birdcall or sketch a rare plant spotted on a trek.
Rajesh’s personal life mirrors his professional ethos. A family man, he shares his passion with his wife, an educator, and their children, who’ve inherited his love for the outdoors. Weekends often find the Rajesh clan exploring Odisha’s wild corners, from Chilika Lake’s flamingo flocks to Similipal’s tiger trails. Photography and reading—especially books on ecology and history—keep him grounded amidst his demanding schedule.
Challenges and Triumphs
Rajesh’s path hasn’t been without thorns. He’s battled vested interests—poachers, mining lobbies, and bureaucratic inertia—each clash testing his resolve. One defining moment came during his mining tenure, when he shut down an illegal operation threatening a turtle nesting site. Facing threats and pressure, he stood firm, earning both enemies and admirers. His triumph wasn’t just in enforcement but in the subsequent restoration that brought the turtles back.
Climate change looms as his greatest challenge yet. Rising sea levels threaten Odisha’s coast, while droughts and floods strain its forests. Rajesh meets these with a blend of science and optimism—piloting carbon-neutral projects, rallying communities for tree-planting drives, and forging international partnerships. His ability to turn adversity into opportunity is his hallmark.
A Legacy Unfolding
As Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary, G. Rajesh is scripting a legacy that transcends titles. He’s not just preserving Odisha’s natural wealth; he’s redefining how India approaches environmental stewardship. Mentorship is his gift to the future—young IFS officers look to him as a beacon, learning that conservation demands both courage and compassion. His work ripples beyond borders, influencing national policies and earning him a voice in global forums.
In a world teetering on ecological brinkmanship, G. Rajesh is a warrior with a green heart. His story—woven from Odisha’s soil, tempered by decades of service, and aimed at a sustainable tomorrow—reminds us that one person’s resolve can tilt the balance toward hope. As he strides into the forest or the boardroom, Rajesh carries a simple truth: the earth is worth fighting for, and he’s just getting started.
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