Official handle of Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA). Professional Training Academy for the Officers of Indian Forest Service #IFS.
Dehradun, India
Joined July 2015
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Management Module | MCT Phase III (19)
Module by IIPA (26 October)
MCT participants at IGNFA attended a day-long module by the faculty of IIPA, New Delhi. Dr. Pawan Kumar Taneja spoke on Leadership, Stress Management & Team Building; Prof. S. P. Chauhan on Communication Skills & Time Management.
#IGNFA #MCT #IFS
Week 2 of the Wildlife Techniques Exercise and Protected Area (PA) Management Plan & Species Recovery Plan is underway at Panna Tiger Reserve for the IFS Probationers of the 2025–27 batch.
The week started with an enriching address by the Director, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) @wii_india , offering valuable insights into wildlife conservation, protected area management, and species recovery.
Shri Kamal Jeet Singh, Professor (Academics), IGNFA; Dr. K. Ramesh, Scientist ‘F’ & Head, SACON; and Dr. K. Shankar, Former Director, SACON, were also present, alongside eminent experts, wildlife managers, and researchers. Their expertise and interactions enriched the probationers’ understanding of wildlife management and conservation practices.
Date: 23 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on landscape mapping, Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) modelling, avian biodiversity assessment, and tiger reintroduction. Trainees conducted systematic bird surveys to assess habitat quality and species distribution. At Bargari, they observed the tiger soft-release enclosure and learned about acclimatisation and post-release monitoring. The visit to Ghairighat Waterfalls explored the ecological and socio-economic trade-offs of the Ken–Betwa Link Project, highlighting conservation challenges and development priorities.
Date: 20 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on wildlife sign surveys and habitat sampling. Trainees conducted 3 km transect walks, recording pugmarks, scat, scratch marks, and other wildlife signs at 250 m intervals. The compiled data helped assess species occurrence and distribution. In the afternoon, Mr. Nehru Prabhakaran introduced habitat characterization, followed by practical vegetation sampling to assess tree density, canopy cover, shrubs, and regeneration, strengthening understanding of scientific wildlife monitoring and evidence-based conservation.
Date: 19 October 2026 | Location: Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on forest orientation, wildlife ecology, and field equipment demonstrations. Probationers explored forest terrain, vegetation, wildlife habitats, and invasive species, alongside habitat conservation and SWOT analysis. At Harsha Gate, trainees practised using GPS devices, compasses, rangefinders, monoculars, and camera traps. Exercises in distance estimation, bearing recording, and wildlife sign identification strengthened their practical understanding of scientific field surveys and effective wildlife management.
Date: 26 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on Species Recovery Planning, with subgroups working on Jackal, Long-billed Vulture, and Tiger. Trainees reviewed relevant literature, consulted experts, identified conservation threats, and developed species-specific recovery strategies. Group presentations encouraged collaborative learning and constructive feedback. The day concluded with an insightful session by the Director, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), on Human–Wildlife Conflict and Protected Area Management, highlighting practical approaches to effective wildlife conservation.
Date: 25 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on camera trap retrieval, data analysis, and technical reporting. Trainees learned to identify species, process photographic data using specialised software, and document wildlife encounters. They consolidated their field experiences, covering sign surveys, line and vehicle transects, vegetation surveys, and camera trapping, into structured technical reports. The session concluded with group presentations, highlighting field methodologies, analytical findings, operational challenges, and the application of wildlife monitoring techniques in conservation management.
Date: 24 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day explored moth ecology and wildlife tracking technologies. Dr. V. Shubhalaxmi, renowned as the “Moth Lady of India,” highlighted moth diversity, ecological significance, and their role in nocturnal pollination. The afternoon focused on VHF radio telemetry, GPS tracking, and satellite/GSM collars. During hands-on exercises, trainees practised using Yagi antennas and multi-channel receivers to locate transmitters, gaining practical insights into modern wildlife monitoring and management techniques.
Date: 22 October 2026 | Location: Panna Landscape, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on avifaunal monitoring, species identification, and biodiversity assessment. Trainees conducted a point-count bird survey at Khila Chauki Beat, documenting species diversity, abundance, and habitat associations, followed by data analysis and presentation. In the afternoon, the team visited Ken Gharial Sanctuary, where they received a briefing on gharial conservation and conducted a rapid bird survey. The exercise enhanced practical understanding of wildlife monitoring, riparian ecology, and scientific data collection.
Date: 21 October 2026 | Location: Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
The day focused on walking and vehicle transects for prey base estimation. Trainees conducted 2 km walking transects following All India Tiger Estimation guidelines, followed by data processing and an introduction to DISTANCE software for population density estimation. Afternoon sessions covered vehicle-based surveys and Body Condition Evaluation (BCE). Field exercises enabled practical assessment of spotted deer, sambar, and other wildlife, strengthening understanding of prey monitoring, survey accuracy, and habitat management.
IGNFA retweeted
A journey to India through 23 countries!
Having started from their breeding areas in northeastern China 11 days ago, the two Amur Falcons Apapang and Alang arrived in Manipur yesterday. This marks the successful completion of their nearly year-long tracking and also their round-trip journey back to Manipur since tagging by scientists of WII in November 2025; travelling through 23 countries on their journey across Africa and Asia, the Amur Falcons are truly global citizens.
The two Amur falcons are expected to now make a two to three week stopover at select sites in the beautiful mountainous tracts of Tamenglong district in Manipur, where local people now eagerly wait for their return year after year and protect the falcons. Feasting on the termites emerging in and around their stopover sites the Amurs will put on fat reserves that is critical for their next leg of migration, which will be a 6-day nonstop flight of nearly 6000 km from here to Somalia that also includes a 3000 km Arabian Sea crossing. The Amur Falcons are truly remarkable for their migration journeys.
IGNFA retweeted
At CII conference, Union Environment Minister calls for coordinated efforts by Govt, Industry & ULBs to advance India’s Circular Economy
Govt translating Policy Intent into Meaningful Action through Clear Policies & Regulatory Reforms: Sh @byadavbjp
📝
pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.…
IGNFA retweeted
Had a very engaging and meaningful interaction with StartUps and innovation companies working on environmental solutions, especially air pollution control and mitigation.
The companies presented their solutions to air pollution control challenges and we deliberated on ways to engage further on the proposed solutions.
The areas covered by the companies include:
🌱 Industrial emissions monitoring and enforcement: Develop tamper-proof OCEMS and AI detection of data drift/manipulation; monitor APCDs, detect bypass or malfunction, and link APCD operation with furnace/boiler controls. Integrate CAQMS, OCEMS and plant-operation data to flag potential violations.
🌱 Dust control at construction sites and roads: Use of AI cameras to detect C&D-site dust and activate suppression equipment; develop movable dust-containment and filtration systems. Promote low-cost mechanised road sweepers and tools to identify road-dust resuspension hotspots.
🌱 City-wide air-quality mapping and source attribution: Map air quality in near real time, including unmonitored areas; locate hotspots and estimate contributions from vehicles, road dust, construction, industries and biomass burning using monitoring, satellite and meteorological data.
🌱 Cleaner vehicles and smoother traffic: Develop tamper-proof PUC testing that verifies genuine exhaust sampling; use ANPR and linked databases to identify vehicles without valid PUCCs and over-aged vehicles. Apply AI to predict congestion and improve traffic flow, reducing idling and emissions.
🌱 Stubble/open-burning detection and utilisation: Enable 24×7 detection and geolocation of paddy-stubble and other open biomass-burning incidents, with alerts and response tracking. Optimise straw collection, transport and matching with bioenergy, biomass-fuel, composting and other utilisation facilities.
🌱 Cleaner industrial operations and DG sets: Provide affordable systems to monitor combustion efficiency and fuel use in small industries. Improve DG-set emissions control through smart RECDs that detect choking, malfunction, bypass, removal or tampering.
🌱 Recycling construction and demolition waste: Create digital platforms to certify, match and track recycled C&D products against construction-sector demand, improving transparency and utilisation.
🌱 Faster, efficient road maintenance: Developing portable, cost-effective pothole-repair machines for rapid, durable repairs with less manpower and reduced traffic disruption.
🔗 pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.…
IGNFA retweeted
Union Environment Minister interacts with Startups to explore Affordable, Scalable, Tech-driven Solutions for #AirPollution in Delhi-NCR
Proactive Initiative to Bridge Gap between Policymakers & Tech Innovators to tackle Air Pollution: Sh @byadavbjp
📝
pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.…
MCT Participants Visit Lucknow Zoo, Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre and Miyawaki Plantation on 20.10.2026
As part of the ongoing Mid-Career Training (MCT) programme, the participants visited Lucknow Zoo (Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden) to gain practical insights into various aspects of zoo management, wildlife conservation, and public awareness initiatives.
During the visit, Shri Sanjay Biswal,IFS, Director, Lucknow Zoo, and Dr. Utkarsh Shukla, Deputy Director and Veterinary Officer, were present and facilitated the participants' understanding of zoo administration, animal care and welfare, enclosure management, veterinary care, conservation education, and visitor management. The visit highlighted the role of zoological parks in wildlife conservation, research, environmental education, and raising public awareness about biodiversity.
Subsequently, the participants visited the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre , where they learned about gharial conservation and rehabilitation efforts, breeding and rearing practices, habitat requirements, and the challenges associated with conserving threatened aquatic species. The visit emphasised the importance of scientific management, habitat protection, and sustained conservation interventions for the long-term survival of gharials.
After lunch at Kukrail, the participants visited a Miyawaki plantation site developed under Awadh Forest Division, Lucknow, in the presence of Shri Sitanshu Pandey, DFO, Awadh Forest Division. The participants learned about this innovative approach to urban forestry, its potential for enhancing green cover, and the importance of plantation protection and maintenance for ensuring healthy plant growth and survival.
The plantation, located along the Lucknow–Ayodhya Highway, has earned Third Prize under Category III – Plantation in Land Parcels at the NHAI Green Highways Excellence Awards 2026 , recognising its successful development, maintenance, and improved plant survival.
The field visits provided valuable practical exposure to diverse approaches to wildlife management, species conservation, and innovative urban forestry.
IGNFA hosted 34 civil servants from 12 countries participating in the Capacity Building Programme on Urban Service Delivery, organised by the National Centre for Good Governance, Mussoorie.
Addressing the delegates, Director IGNFA, Dr R.P. Khajuria, highlighted urban forestry, Nagar Van, MISHTI, Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and the role of foresters in sustainable urban service delivery. The visit also featured engaging discussions on environmental governance and shared environmental challenges across countries. #EkPedMaaKeNaam #MissionLiFE @moefcc
As part of the MCT Phase-III programme, the participants visited Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on 17-18 October and explored its diverse conservation and community engagement initiatives. The visit included the Rescue Centre, Gomti River Udgam Sthal and Namami Gange works, and interactive sessions with members of the Eco-Development Committee (EDC) and Bagh Mitras, providing valuable insights into wildlife conservation and community participation.
The participants also interacted with the SSP, Pilibhit, who conducted an insightful session on Law and Order Management in Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC), highlighting the importance of interdepartmental coordination and effective conflict management.
The team received a warm and gracious welcome from Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, making the visit enriching, informative, and memorable.
#IGNFA #MCT #PilibhitTigerReserve #IFS
The IFS 2025 Batch embarks on a two-week journey of learning and discovery at Panna! 🌿🐅
The Probationers arrived in the late afternoon of 18 October 2026, receiving a warm welcome from the MP Forest Department and Panna Park Management for the Wildlife Techniques and Protected Area Management & Species Recovery Exercise.
The evening featured a comprehensive briefing on the Park and the exercise, offering a glimpse into the enriching week ahead. The Probationers were briefed by Dr K. Ramesh, Sc. F, WII & Head, SACON; Sh. Virender, Dy. Director, Panna Tiger Reserve; Dr Sankar, former Director, SACON; and the dedicated team of WII scientists and researchers.
A promising beginning to two weeks of field-based learning, scientific exploration and deeper engagement with India’s rich wildlife and conservation heritage\! 🌳
#IFS2025 #PannaTigerReserve #WildlifeConservation
As part of their ongoing Thematic Tour, the IFS officers of the MCT-III (19) course undertook a comprehensive field visit to the Corbett Tiger Reserve on 15 October 2026.
The delegation undertook a habitat study in the Dhela and Jhirna Safari Zones and inspected the Laldhang Grassland. The officers also visited the Corbett Interpretation Centre to evaluate wildlife education frameworks and concluded the day with an official interactive session with Corbett Tiger Reserve officials on field management strategies, anti-poaching operations, and ecological conservation challenges.
#IFS #CorbettTigerReserve #MCT #ForestService #WildlifeConservation
