Dehradun: The appointment of a new head of the Uttarakhand Forest Department appears almost finalized after the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) reportedly reached a consensus on the name of senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Kapil Lal for the post of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF HoFF).
The current PCCF HoFF, Ranjan Kumar Mishra, is scheduled to retire on June 30, and the new leadership could assume charge from July 1.
The DPC meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, considered the names of Kapil Lal, Neena Grewal, and S P Subuddhi. Based on seniority and service record, Kapil Lal emerged as the strongest contender. According to departmental sources, no departmental inquiry or complaint is pending against him, facilitating consensus on his candidature.
A 1993-batch IFS officer, Kapil Lal is expected to remain in service until 2031, potentially giving him a tenure of nearly five years. Such a long tenure is considered significant for implementing long-term reforms and strategic initiatives in the forest sector.
Major Administrative Changes Expected
The reshuffle is expected to extend beyond the department’s top post. Several key positions are likely to see changes in responsibility. Kapil Lal currently handles CAMPA and Planning portfolios, while the important post of PCCF Wildlife is also expected to become vacant.
Senior officer Neena Grewal is considered a strong contender for the PCCF Wildlife position, while S.P. Subuddhi is also in the race. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding an important assignment for B K Gangte, who recently returned from central deputation.
Transfers Likely at Field Level
In addition to top-level changes, large-scale transfers and reassignment of responsibilities among Conservators of Forests, Chief Conservators, and other officials are expected. Preparatory work for these changes has reportedly already been completed, and the final transfer list may be issued after the new forest chief assumes office.
The new leadership is expected to usher in a fresh phase of administrative and structural reforms aimed at strengthening forest governance and management in Uttarakhand.
