We know that rangers are the frontline heroes in forestry, protecting our natural resources despite the danger the job may bring. However, behind this diligence on the ground are people with extremely interesting backgrounds and stories to share, which we hope to bring out through our series, “Heroes of Our Frontline Staff".
This series is dedicated to the thousands of rangers relentlessly going about their everyday tasks, without expectation of recognition for their hard work.
Today, we spoke to Devaraja T M, Range Forest Officer ﹘ Forest Utilization, Bangalore, Karnataka Forest Department on human-wildlife conflict, his interest in afforestation and the seed technology lab he has been instrumental in setting up.
Devaraja T M. Photo courtesy: Devaraja T M
How did you get into forestry? Why did you choose this field?
I did a BSc. and then an MSc. in Agriculture. You can do forestry, horticulture and agriculture with the degree, so I already had some exposure to it. They considered it the same degree for selection, and I wrote the exam after my degree.
My father was a forest watcher in the department. My brother also joined the department. With my qualifications, I was able to join too, so that was convenient for me.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I mostly enjoy afforestation, identifying RET (Rare Endangered Threatened) species, and growing them in nurseries. Afforestation and RET species interest me. Apart from that, I also enjoy conservation of wildlife, etc.
What are the biggest challenges you face on a day-to-day basis? How do you overcome them?
Wildlife may appear in front of us suddenly — like leopards, tigers, or elephants. We use whatever resources we have at hand — our past experience, or from when we have gone with our seniors to the field, with their guidance, and our own experience.
People in junior cadres will be in a territory for a long time, so they have lots of knowledge. I will not be posted in the same place for many years. But my staff, they are posted in one area for a longer period of time, so they have a lot of knowledge. The higher up you go, the more you get shuffled around. In an area, leopards, elephants or snakes could be more, or human-wildlife conflict could be more, and they know this well, so that helps me.
Are there any people who inspire or motivate you?
My father and brother are my role models. Apart from that, there is a higher officer, Magadaiah, close to my native town. He is a role model for me.
What would you say are your biggest achievements so far?
I was in the research wing for many years. Before, seed collection, procurement and processing wasn’t there. We have now opened a scientific lab in Doraisanipalya. We have researched seed technology models like in Punjab and Haryana, and have adapted it to our forests using scientific instruments.
Devaraja T M at the seed technology lab, Doraisanipalya. Photo courtesy: Devaraja T M
Devaraja T M at the seed technology lab, Doraisanipalya. Photo courtesy: Devaraja T M