Gangtok: The Government of Sikkim has ordered the transfer and reassignment of charges for 1 Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer and 34 officers of the Sikkim Forest Service (SFS) in a move that underscores the state’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable forest governance. This significant reshuffle covers key leadership roles across territorial divisions, eco-tourism, non-timber forest products, soil conservation, silviculture, and wildlife management.
Sikkim’s Rich Forest Heritage
Despite its small geographical size of 7,096 sq km (0.22% of India’s land), Sikkim is richly endowed with forests spanning 5,841 sq km, covering 46% of the state. Over 82% of Sikkim’s territory is under the State Forest Department’s administration. Home to the UNESCO-listed Khangchendzonga National Park and seven other sanctuaries, protected areas make up 30.77% of the state. Sikkim’s vast botanical diversity includes more than 4,500 flowering plants and 550 orchid species, reinforcing its status as one of India’s greenest and most ecologically significant states.
Detailed List of Transfers and New Postings
Mr. Kshitij Saxena IFS (Sikkim 2019) — From Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial), Gyalshing to DFO (Territorial), Gangtok.
Mr. Nischal Gautam SFS — Relieved as Additional Director, Sericulture; given additional charge as Chief Executive Officer, State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY).
Mr. Sugen M Sarin SFS — Additional Director, Eco-Tourism; now also Additional Director, Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP).
Mr. Tshering Pinto Bhutia SFS — Additional Director-cum-Nodal Officer, State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) and Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP), and Additional Director, Environment & Soil Conservation; additionally appointed Director, Forest Training Institute, Bulbuley.
Mr. Tenzing Norbu Bhutia SFS — Joint Director, NTFP; additional charge of Joint Director, Forest Training Institute, Bulbuley.
Ms. Dichen Namdul SFS — Joint Director, Utilization; additionally Joint Director, Silviculture, Sikkim.
Ms. Arati Basnet SFS — From Joint Director-cum-CEO, SLNA to Joint Director, Sericulture, Sikkim.
Ms. Nisha Subba SFS — DFO, Wildlife (Gyalshing); additional charge of DFO, Eco-Tourism for Gyalshing, Soreng, and Namchi Districts.
Ms. Yangchen Bhutia SFS — DFO, State CAMPA & FCA, Gangtok; relieved from Survey & Demarcation charge; now additionally DFO, Eco-Tourism for Gangtok, Pakyong, and Mangan Districts.
Mr. Arun Kumar Gurung SFS — From DFO, NTFP, Gyalshing, Namchi & Soreng Districts to DFO, Social Forestry, Gyalshing.
Mr. Jigme Tsewang Shamgoe SFS — From DFO (T), Mangan to DFO (T), Gyalshing District.
Ms. Smita Shilal SFS — From DFO (T), Gangtok to DFO (T), Survey & Demarcation, Gangtok.
Mr. Chewang Tashi Bhutia SFS — From DFO, Social Forestry, Gyalshing to DFO, Research & Extension Cell, Gangtok.
Mr. Tseten Wangyal Lachungpa SFS — From DFO, NTFP, Mangan, Gangtok & Pakyong and additional charges to DFO, Environment & Soil Conservation, Mangan.
Mr. Anup Jyoti Baniya SFS — From DFO, Environment & Soil Conservation, Gangtok to DFO, Social Forestry, Gangtok.
Mr. Suren Kumar Pradhan SFS — Appointed DFO, Planning & Statistical Cell.
Mr. Churamani Bhandari SFS — Appointed DFO, Environment & Soil Conservation, Gangtok.
Ms. Urmila Subba SFS — Appointed DFO, Himalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok.
Ms. Bindhya Subba SFS — Appointed DFO, NTFP (Gyalshing, Namchi & Soreng District).
Mr. Dhiraj Khati SFS — Appointed DFO, Stores, Gangtok.
Mr. Manjil Kharel SFS — Appointed DFO (T), Mangan.
Ms. Pem Diki Sherpa SFS — Appointed DFO, NTFP (Mangan, Gangtok & Pakyong District).
Mr. Dilli Ram Sharma SFS — Appointed DFO, Silviculture, Gangtok.
Ms. Surya Lata Rai SFS — Appointed DFO, Parks & Garden, Gangtok.
Ms. Seems Basnett SFS — From ACF, Environment & Soil Conservation, Chungthang Sub-Division to ACF, Wildlife, Mangan.
Mr. Neeraj Pradhan SFS — From ACF (T), Ravangla to ACF, Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), Mangan.
Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Rai SFS — From ACF (T), Namchi to ACF (T), Rabongla with additional charge ACF, Survey & Demarcation, Namchi.
Mr. Bishnu Prasad Sharma SFS — From ACF, BAC, Yuksom to ACF (T), Mangalbaraia, Soreng District.
Mr. Sachin Chettri (Karki) SFS — From ACF, KNP, Mangan to ACF, Utilization, Gangtok.
Mr. Narendra Sapkota SFS — From ACF, Kyongnosla Wildlife Sanctuary to ACF (T), Mangan with additional charge of ACF, Eco-tourism, Mangan.
Mr. Bhuwan Singh Subba SFS — From ACF (T), HQ, Namchi with additional charge of Survey & Demarcation to ACF (T), Namchi.
Mr. Norden Zangpo Bhutia SFS — From ACF (Territorial), Chungthang to additional charge ACF, Environment & Soil Conservation, Chungthang.
Mr. Lalit Kumar Rai-II SFS — Appointed ACF, NTFP, Namchi.
Mr. Karma Sonam Bhutia (II) SFS — Appointed ACF (T), Gangtok.
A Step Towards Strengthened Conservation and Sustainable Management
This extensive reshuffle highlights Sikkim’s proactive approach to enhancing forest administration and conservation. By strategically placing officers with specialized skills in vital roles across the state, Sikkim aims to maintain and further its reputation as a model state for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
