IFS Officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi Donates Travel Allowance to Uttarakhand CM Relief Fund
In a remarkable act of public service, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi has donated over Rs 3 lakh to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund in Uttarakhand. The funds were earned as official travel and tour allowances during his extensive fieldwork in the state's remote and hilly regions.
Details of the Donation and Fieldwork
The donation amount, totaling more than Rs 3 lakh, was accrued over 447 days of official travel undertaken between December 2016 and August 2025. This travel was part of biodiversity conservation initiatives led by the research wing of the Uttarakhand forest department. Chaturvedi, who currently serves as chief conservator of forests and director of the Uttarakhand Forestry Training Academy in Haldwani, requested the release of this reimbursable amount directly to the relief fund.
In a formal communication addressed to the head of forest force, Ranjan Mishra, and endorsed to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chaturvedi emphasized that his primary reward is the satisfaction of serving Dev Bhoomi (the land of gods) and conserving its rich flora and fauna. He specifically asked for the entire sum to be transferred to the CM's Relief Fund, highlighting his commitment to social causes.
Significant Contributions to Conservation
Chaturvedi's fieldwork involved over 300 days of research-related official travels, which have brought significant recognition to the Uttarakhand forest department. His efforts, often requiring travel across challenging terrains such as glaciers and rugged mountains, have led to groundbreaking conservation projects. These include:
- The world's first lichen garden established in Munsyari.
- The world's highest-altitude Miyawaki plantation.
- India's highest-altitude herbal and alpine gardens, located above 10,000 feet.
These initiatives have earned appreciation from both the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Chief Minister's office, underscoring their impact on environmental preservation.
History of Philanthropy
This is not the first time Sanjiv Chaturvedi has made such a generous donation. Previously, he donated Rs 20 lakh from his Ramon Magsaysay Award prize money to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. With this latest contribution, his total donations for social causes now amount to approximately Rs 30 lakh, reflecting his ongoing dedication to public welfare and environmental stewardship.
Chaturvedi's actions set a powerful example of integrity and selflessness in public service, reinforcing the importance of conservation efforts in Uttarakhand's unique ecosystem.
