An Indian Forest Service, IFoS, of the 1994 batch Mr. Dharminder Sharma took over the charge of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Head of Forest Force, Punjab (PCCF, HoFF) here today at the forest complex in Sector - 68. Besides, he would continue to hold the charge of PCCF Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden, Punjab till the next incumbent gets posted.
Thanking the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak for reposing faith in his abilities, Mr. Sharma said that boosting eco Tourism, proper upkeep of the wetlands, evolving steps for increasing green cover in the State and employment avenues at local level would be his focus areas.
Stating further that the 'Van Mahotsav' to be held in July 2025 would be a unique event, Mr. Sharma gave a clarion call to the people to plant more trees as bequeathing a legacy of clean and green environment for future generations is the need of the hour.It is pertinent to mention that the new incumbent is a UPSC Topper of 1994 IFoS batch, and is a forester, a botanist and a natural resource manager by education and training.
A Graduate from Delhi University in Plant Sciences and done his Masters in Natural Resource Management on Marshal Papworth Scholarship from Cranfield University, UK, Mr. Sharma trained in forestry and allied Sciences from universities in the UK, Finland and Yale University, USA.
He has previously served the Punjab
Government in various capacities at district and higher levels as the District Forest Officer, Patiala/Sangrur/Ferozepur, Team Leader in a World Bank Aided Project, Director Chhatbir Zoo, Chief Conservator of Forests, Plains, Head of the Department of Soil and Water Conservation Department and Secretary Agriculture on deputation.
Amongst his achievements is included the preparation of the State Forestry Research Plan of Punjab, a plan which later gave direction to research projects under the then JICA (Japan) project in 1999. In the same year, a professional training course was also organised for newly recruited Forest Guards in the forest department.
Besides preparing the “Working Plan” (a highly technical document) of Ferozepur Forest Division in 2000, Mr. Sharma also prepared the “Master Plan” of Chhatbir Zoo during 2006-09 during the tenure as the Field Director. This was one of the first in India and highly appreciated by Central Zoo Authority, GoI. This document is guiding all the development undergoing in the zoo since then.
Since the study of specialisation in UK was on Carbon Sequestration in Agroforestry Systems, he has been invited to speak or train the participants in Climate Change and other Environmental issues at many institutes of National repute as also at national and international seminars/workshops including at MGSIPA Chandigarh, Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Delhi etc.
He has also been invited expert speaker on the topics of Wildlife Conservation including the management of Captive Wild animals to train senior forest officers across India. Among others present on the occasion included 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 staff members of the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Department.