Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi, serving in the Uttarakhand cadre, has donated his total tour allowances, amounting to over Rs 3 lakh, to the Uttarakhand Chief Minister Relief Fund. This donation pertains to 447 days of official field duties that he undertook over nearly nine years, finishing on August 2025. On April 4, 2023, Chaturvedi sent a letter to the Head of the Uttarakhand Forest Department (HoFF) and copied it to the Chief Minister’s office, highlighting his intention to deposit this amount into the Relief Fund.

Chaturvedi reported that throughout his tours, which took place from December 17, 2016, he had not drawn any allowances. The funds are typically allocated to government officers when they undertake official tours away from their primary location. The daily allowances vary based on several factors, including location and the officer’s seniority, and are meant to cover out-of-pocket expenses incurred during such tours.

Conservation Efforts and Accomplishments

In his correspondence, Chaturvedi detailed his extensive travels to some of the most remote and challenging locales in the state, including Milam Glacier, Mana Pass, and the Valley of Flowers. He underscored his role in establishing 25 plant conservation centres across Uttarakhand and his initiatives related to the reintroduction of endangered Himalayan plant species, such as the Himalayan Gentian and the Golden Himalayan Spike. These efforts received commendation from notable figures, including Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Chaturvedi also reported on the conservation measures implemented for threatened animal species, which include the Himalayan Marmot and the King Cobra. Furthermore, he has completed high-quality working plans for seven out of the 28 forest divisions in the state, showcasing his commitment to environmental conservation.

His previous work has been recognised by various environmental authorities, including the then Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar, and the former Director General of Forests. These endorsements reflect the positive impact of Chaturvedi’s initiatives in the field of wildlife and plant conservation in Uttarakhand.

Previous Philanthropic Contributions

Chaturvedi has a history of philanthropy, having previously donated the entirety of his Ramon Magsaysay Award prize money to address the medical needs of underprivileged patients at AIIMS, Delhi, in September 2015. After the hospital declined the funds, he redirected this sum to the Prime Minister National Relief Fund in December of the same year. Additionally, in February 2019, he contributed around Rs 2.50 lakh, which he received as an arbitration fee, to a fund aimed at supporting families of CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama terrorist attack.

Moreover, Chaturvedi donated financial awards received for his judicial victory against the Central Government in August 2019, in a case characterised by the Uttarakhand High Court as “prima facie vindictive”. This money was also given to the Prime Minister National Relief Fund. Additionally, he has a record of contributing Rs 2.4 lakh awarded from an anti-corruption initiative to a needy family, reflecting his commitment to social welfare.

Notably, his Annual Immovable Property Return (IPR) indicates that he has no personal assets registered in his name or that of his family, highlighting his focus on service and philanthropy rather than personal wealth accumulation.

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