Ramnagar: Corbett Tiger Reserve director Saket Badola made a sudden announcement on Friday that he is voluntarily retiring from his post, citing personal reasons.
Badola, a 2008 batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of Uttarakhand cadre, was also serving as the Chief Conservator of Forests.
He shared this information in a social media post. His decision created a stir among forest department officers and employees. However, he mentioned personal reasons behind his resignation and did not reveal any specific reason.
"After months of serious contemplation, I have decided to voluntarily retire from the Indian Forest Service on personal grounds," he wrote.
Badola, who hails from Kotdwar in Pauri district, worked as a veterinarian before joining the forest service.
In 2009, he joined the Terai Western Forest Division as trainee DFO. He then went on to become deputy director of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Along with leading the trafficking cell formed to prevent wildlife trafficking, he also took over the responsibility of director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
He became the director of Corbett Tiger Reserve in July 2024 after his transfer from Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Last year, he was also promoted to the post of Chief Conservator of Forests.
"Today, as I look back on my long and fulfilling career, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve the public, contribute to nature and wildlife conservation, and, most importantly, understand the grassroots challenges facing our nation," Badola also wrote in his post.
He further said that he hoped to continue contributing towards nation-building in whatever way he can.
"I shall always remain grateful to the various governments I have served, my colleagues in the Service, the brave forest staff, my family, my friends, and the public at large for their immense support, countless blessings, and unconditional love," he shared in the post.
