M Srinivasa Rao IFS, is a Graduate in Forestry (Gold Medalist) from University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Bangalore and also a Post Graduate in Forestry from FRI deemed university. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. He belongs to 1992 Batch of Indian Forest Service, Maharashtra Cadre. Trained at Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy Dehradun in professional Forestry Management. Has served in Maharashtra state in Forest Department, Tribal development department, Social Forestry Department, National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project, Disaster Management and at Institute of Wood Science and Technology Bangalore. His field of interests are Tribal Development, Environment and Development, Agroforestry, Tree Transplantation, Woodworking, Sandalwood cultivation, Disaster Management, Forestry Research, Legal and Policy development. Prepared many research projects and obtained grants for the same .He has co-authored 12 research papers and authored a book chapter. He has conducted two National level seminars and workshops. He has also guided one PhD research scholar.