Interview Times 
Mrs. Anshu Pragyan Das is an accomplished Divisional Forest Officer with extensive experience in the field of Ecotourism and Wildlife Conservation. Over the past 16 years, she has made significant contributions to various conservation projects, including her notable work at Similipal Tiger Reserve, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and now at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Her efforts have not only transformed the lives of people in the Satkosia Tiger Reserve region but have also earned her acclaim as a forest officer and social reformer. She has pioneered community-driven Ecotourism projects like the successful Badmul project, which has become a model for the state, generating substantial revenue. Mrs. Das work showcases the government’s commitment to striking a balance between development and environmental conservation. Additionally, she is an accomplished writer, wildlife photographer, birder, sports person, and a visiting faculty member at various academic and training institutions.
1. Can you tell us about your background and experience in forestry and conservation?
I have worked earlier for long time at Satkosia Tiger Reserve and as Nodal Officer, Ecotourism before my stint at Debrigarh. Working in wildlife sector has provided me the opportunities to work in remote places of Odisha, close to nature and people. It is the greatest joy in my life. Wildlife conservation is an extremely demanding profession which requires adaptability and resilience, opportunities to interact with people and also to inspire our next generation. Beside this field of conservation has given me the opportunity to write and recreate, photograph the beauty of nature, walk or a hike and relax in nature with a book without network.
2. What motivated you to pursue a career in forestry and why are you interested in the role of DFO?
Honestly, I became a Forest Officer by chance. I appeared the first competitive exam after my studies and I cleared, I joined. Joining a job was important for me at that point of time and I m very happy now to pursue my career in this sector. I believe in giving my best in whatever work I do.
3. What do you think are the major challenges currently facing the forestry sector in Bargarh-Sambalpur? How would you prioritize and manage various conservation initiatives in the region?
Man-animal conflict is the major challenge which we are addressing by regular meetings with community. Engaging community in different conservation programs, transparency and completing work on time is very important for bridging gap between people and govt machinery. Protection of wildlife, controlling illegal wildlife trade, livelihood to forest dependent communities, Ecotourism are our priority focus areas.
4. Can you provide an example of a successful project or initiative you led in your previous role that positively impacted conservation efforts?
For a longtime I worked in Satkosia Tiger Reserve as DFO Mahanadi Wildlife Division where with help of local community staying inside sanctuary within rules & regulations we provided all basic facilities to villagers living inside Tiger Reserve which played crucial role in strengthening protection & check on indiscriminate poaching, restoration of Gharial habitat in Satkosia Gorge, Creation of more inviolate space for wildlife by community engagement & alternative livelihood to locals through Ecovillage, Ecotourism etc. we constructed State’s first Canopy Walk with help of villagers too. At Debrigarh our team and local community together have transformed Dhodrukusum village into Green Village & Govindpur Villagers have promised for conservation migratory birds coming to Hirakud & Debrigarh by naming their village Birds Village. Peaceful relocation of 400 families from Debrigarh Sanctuary is another example of conservation by team work and community engagement.
5. How do you plan to engage with local communities and stakeholders to promote sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation?
In Odisha, 5% of the land is protected for wildlife and protected areas are like an island surrounded by human habitations for which dispersal of wildlife outside their boundary is inevitable.The challenge remains to find creative solution in sanctuary management as well as building of tolerance towards wildlife conservation among the people adjoining protected areas. Continuous confidence building with local communities will bridge the gap between government officials and locals, transparency and timely completion of work is the solution.
6. How would you address the issue of illegal logging and wildlife trafficking in the region?
We have developed good informer networking in all periphery villages of Debrigarh Sanctuary. Being close to state border, illegal wildlife trade is a problem so we have garnered local support for wildlife conservation. Especially we are on high alert now for protection of the male Tiger which came to Debrigarh walking 1000 kms from neighboring state to Odisha. Protection strategy in Debrigarh is a good example of Community Wildlife Conservation.
7. How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices in forestry management and conservation?
By reading journals, articles & understanding problems in our landscape.
8. How would you handle conflicts between different stakeholders, such as local communities, industries, and conservation organizations?
Perseverance is key, working towards betterment with good intention and dialogue with different stakeholders is the best way for problem solving.
9. What strategies would you implement to raise awareness and promote environmental education among the public?
Regular meetings we do in periphery villages, we have prioritized 48 villages in periphery of Debrigarh and rest 150 villages are also on track. Educating all households, involving them in all forestry activities like Fire control, meadow management, wildlife monitoring, prevention of poaching etc makes community support our conservation activities. Beside these we are running Story telling sessions by different elite groups at Sambalpur which is bringing our young generation more close to Nature.
