IAS Sandeep G R ,a 2013 Batch Officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre and currently posted as Collector of Sagar has been leading a series of innovative initiatives aimed at improving nutrition, education, livelihood and environmental sustainability. His approach focuses on practical, community-driven solutions through multiple government schemes and local participation.

One of the most ambitious initiatives under his leadership is the Fruit Forest project, which began during his earlier tenure in Chhatarpur and is now being expanded in Sagar.Instead of conventional plantations where saplings often fail to survive, the administration adopted a permaculture based three-layer plantation model consisting of canopy trees like mango, mid-layer fruit trees such as guava and shrubs like lemon.

Under this encroached government land along lakes and water bodies was cleared and desilted before the plantation was carried out. Additionally proper fencing and drip irrigation is done to improve survival rates. Women Self-Help Groups have also been involved, growing vegetables between the young trees until the fruit trees mature.

So far, around five lakh fruit trees have been planted,with a target of reaching ten lakh trees in three years.Additionally it has also started attracting migratory birds adding to the biodiversity of the region. The project has also found its mention in Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

“The idea came from the fact that if the government is planting trees, why not plant fruit trees that can also address nutrition and hunger while creating livelihoods.” Sandeep G R quoted

Looking ahead the administration aims to turn the region into a fruit processing hub attracting small industries such as jam and ice-cream producers inturn strengthening the district’s local economy.

Project Udaan

Education remains another key priority through Project Udaan,which aims to support students preparing for competitive examinations such as IIT-JEE,NEET and also promote non-traditional exams.The initiative focuses particularly on students in tribal hostels who often lack access to quality coaching and learning spaces.

As part of the initiative, a modern state-of-the-art public library has been developed in Bundelkhand region encouraging a culture of reading and learning. Explaining the vision behind the project, Sandeep says“The most important building in a city should be a place where children come to learn and grow.”

Rangeen Roti Campaign

In health,a unique concept has been introduced the Rangeen Roti campaign to address maternal mortality, tackle anaemia and improve overall nutrition among women and children.Under this initiative,rotis are prepared using iron-rich ingredients such as moringa leaves, spinach and beetroot.The colourful rotis make it easy to monitor whether nutritious ingredients are being added while also improving haemoglobin levels through better iron intake.

Project Shraddhanjali

Last but not least, on the administrative side Project Shraddhanjali has set a testament of compassionate governance by streamlining appointments for families of deceased government employees.By closely monitoring applications and simplifying the process, the district has facilitated over 100 compassionate appointments within eight months ensuring timely support to affected families.“It is a small but important way of showing respect to our employees by ensuring their families are taken care of”.