Madhya Pradesh

During the Field Work Training module of the Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry Management program, a group of nine students from the PFM24 batch had the opportunity to work with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. They were assigned to three different forest divisions, namely Balaghat, Mandla, and Umaria, in groups of three students each.This field work provided these future managers with an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in various programs implemented by the Forest Department. These programs focused on forest management, conservation, and the development of communities that traditionally rely on forests.

Over a three-week period, the students engaged in activities such as Nursery Management, Depot Management, and Ecotourism initiatives at National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. They also participated in the preparation of Microplans for Joint Forest Management Committees, among other tasks.

During their fieldwork, the group visited numerous plantations supported by CAMPA and took part in Night Patrolling activities with Forest Department officials. These activities aimed at safeguarding wildlife and preventing illegal extraction of valuable resources from the forests. Overall, this hands-on experience significantly bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired through academics and the practical aspects of working in the natural environment. It provided valuable insights into the potential job roles they might undertake in the future.