15/05/2026
2014 batch IFS officer of Maharashtra cadre Piyusha Jagtap always had a pull towards nature. She first worked in central services but later joined the Indian Forest Service; because of this, she wanted to stay closer to forests, not away from them.
But what makes it interesting is Piyusha is also an artist. She paints and writes what she sees around her, small moments from nature that most people usually miss. A broken branch, shifting light, or the silence of early morning forests.
“I wanted something that would keep me close to nature,” she says.
For her, work and passion are not separate. Forest is not just duty; it is inspiration.
During the COVID period, when everything slowed down, she started something simple.
One sketch every day.
50 days, 50 sketches.
No big plan, just observation.
Those sketches slowly turned into small stories from inside forests. Later, they became leaflets and even a small book.
Her artistic character goes beyond this.
In places like Melghat and Tadoba, she used storytelling to bring forest life closer to people. In Melghat, she even created a mascot called Bana, inspired by the Korku tribe, to explain forest ideas in a simple way.
Piyusha also worked with local communities. Families who moved out of forest areas were helped to start homestays. Many of them later grew from one homestay to several, improving their income and life.
Forest fires were another big challenge in front of her. Most were manmade. Her team worked on the ground and also built “fire-free village” models where local people helped prevent fires.
Now, as Field Director at Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, Piyusha is also working on long-term nature education for school children.
At the core, her work is simple. She is just trying to bring people and forests a little closer, something deep and personal in her own quiet way.
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