Before moving as principal secretary to the chief minister's office, I headed the state Forest Department. It was during this tenure, that I thought of including the planting of saplings to the KRA for Forest Department officials, including myself. The idea was to exhibit that those in the department not only guard and maintain forests, but help increase the green cover of the state, as everyone is worried about the fast depleting green reserve.

I implemented this in 2019. My idea is that if people cannot plant saplings, every family should at least look after one tree in their locality to help increase and maintain the green cover of the city and state. While I insisted planting trees be part of the KRA for the 28,000 employees of the FD, some of them did not do so. Many employees started sending messages and images of the saplings to their immediate superiors or reporting officers. Those who did won accolades and recognition. Those who did not were asked the reasons. Officers were told not to punish erring staff, but make them understand why planting trees is important for ecological balance.