1994 UPSC Topper Dharminder Sharma Appointed Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Punjab
Chandigarh, February 1
Dharminder Sharma, a 1994 batch Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer and UPSC topper, has officially taken charge as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Punjab. The charge was handed over at the Forest Complex in Sector-68, Chandigarh. Until a successor is appointed, he will also continue to serve as PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Punjab.
Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak for their trust in him, Mr. Sharma outlined his key priorities, including:
✅ Promoting eco-tourism
✅ Enhancing the upkeep of wetlands
✅ Expanding the green cover across the state
✅ Raising environmental awareness
✅ Creating employment opportunities at the local level
He also announced that Van Mahotsav 2025, to be held in July, will be a landmark event and urged citizens to plant more trees, emphasizing the importance of a clean and green legacy for future generations.
Academic & Professional Background
A Plant Sciences graduate from Delhi University, Mr. Sharma holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management from Cranfield University, UK, under the Marshal Papworth Scholarship. His expertise spans forestry and allied sciences, with training from institutions in the UK, Finland, and Yale University, USA.
Key Achievements
? Strategic Forestry & Conservation Plans:
- Developed Punjab’s State Forestry Research Plan (1999), shaping research initiatives under the JICA project.
- Formulated Ferozepur Forest Division’s Working Plan (2000), a critical forestry management document.
? Chhatbir Zoo Master Plan (2006-09):
- One of the first master plans for zoos in India, highly acclaimed by the Central Zoo Authority.
- Continues to guide zoo development to this day. see this link also…..TOP-10…SHORT NEWS….31JANUARY
? Leadership Roles in Punjab Government:
- Served as District Forest Officer (Patiala, Sangrur, Ferozepur).
- Led a World Bank-Aided Project as Team Leader.
- Held key posts, including Director of Chhatbir Zoo, Chief Conservator of Forests (Plains), and Head of Soil & Water Conservation Department.
- Served as Secretary of Agriculture on deputation.
Recognized Expert in Climate Change & Wildlife Conservation
Having specialized in Carbon Sequestration in Agroforestry Systems, Mr. Sharma has been a guest speaker at national and international forums on climate change, environmental conservation, and wildlife management. His lectures have been featured at prestigious institutes such as:
✔ MGSIPA Chandigarh
✔ Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun
✔ The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Delhi
He is also an expert speaker on wildlife conservation, particularly in the management of captive wild animals, training senior forest officers across India.
Ceremonial Takeover
The occasion was attended by key officials, including:
- Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Satendar Sagar
- Conservator of Forests (Planning) Vishal Chauhan
- Honorary Wildlife Warden (Patiala) Amarjit Singh Chauhan
- Administrative Officer Rajinder Singh
- Staff members from the Forest & Wildlife Preservation Department
