
Dharminder Sharma Takes Charge as Punjab’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF): A Vision for Green Growth and Eco-Tourism
- Breaking NewsHEADLINESPUNJAB
- February 1, 2025
- No Comment
- 23
Mr. Dharminder Sharma, an Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer from the 1994 batch, officially assumed the role of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Punjab. The ceremonial handover took place today at the Forest Complex in Sector 68, Punjab. Along with his new responsibilities, Mr. Sharma will continue to serve as the PCCF Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden until the appointment of his successor.
Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak for entrusting him with this responsibility, Mr. Sharma outlined his key priorities. These include promoting eco-tourism, enhancing the upkeep of wetlands, increasing Punjab’s green cover, and generating employment opportunities at the local level.
Focus on ‘Van Mahotsav 2025’ and Environmental Legacy
Mr. Sharma emphasized the significance of the upcoming ‘Van Mahotsav,’ slated for July 2025. He called upon the citizens of Punjab to actively participate by planting trees, highlighting the need for a clean and green environment for future generations.
An Illustrious Career and Academic Excellence
Mr. Dharminder Sharma is a distinguished UPSC topper of the 1994 IFoS batch and holds expertise as a forester, botanist, and natural resource manager. A graduate of Delhi University in Plant Sciences, he further earned a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management from Cranfield University, UK, on a prestigious Marshal Papworth Scholarship. His academic journey includes advanced forestry training from esteemed institutions in the UK, Finland, and Yale University, USA.
Over the years, Mr. Sharma has held several critical positions in the Punjab Government, including:
- District Forest Officer (Patiala, Sangrur, and Ferozepur)
- Team Leader in a World Bank-aided project
- Director of Chhatbir Zoo
- Chief Conservator of Forests (Plains)
- Head of the Soil and Water Conservation Department
- Secretary of Agriculture (on deputation)
Notable Achievements in Forest and Wildlife Conservation
Mr. Sharma has significantly contributed to Punjab’s forest and wildlife sectors through his visionary work. His notable achievements include:
- State Forestry Research Plan (1999): Guided research initiatives under the JICA (Japan) project.
- Forest Guards Training (1999): Organized professional training for newly recruited forest guards.
- Ferozepur Forest Division Working Plan (2000): Authored a comprehensive technical document.
- Chhatbir Zoo Master Plan (2006-09): Designed one of India’s first zoo master plans, which continues to serve as a development guide and received acclaim from the Central Zoo Authority.
International Expertise and Leadership in Climate Change
Mr. Sharma’s specialization in Carbon Sequestration in Agroforestry Systems, developed during his studies in the UK, has made him a recognized expert in climate change and environmental conservation. He has shared his expertise at national and international forums, including MGSIPA Chandigarh, Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Delhi.
In addition, he has been an invited speaker on wildlife conservation and the management of captive wild animals, training senior forest officers across India.
Commitment to Green Initiatives and Collaboration
At the ceremony, Mr. Sharma reiterated his commitment to advancing Punjab’s environmental goals. He stressed the importance of teamwork and collaboration in addressing critical issues like climate change, wildlife conservation, and wetland management.
The event 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, and other members of the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Department.
Punjab now looks forward to Mr. Sharma’s leadership in creating a sustainable, eco-friendly, and prosperous future for the state.
#DharminderSharma #PunjabForests #EcoTourism #VanMahotsav2025 #WildlifeConservation