Gangtok: Senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Udai Gurung has been elevated to the post of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) of Sikkim, according to an official notification issued by the Department of Personnel. The appointment, approved by the Governor of Sikkim, is effective immediately under the Super Time Scale (Level-14 of the Pay Matrix).
Career Journey of Udai Gurung
Mr Gurung, a seasoned officer of the 2008 IFS batch, began his career in the Sikkim State Forest Service in 1996 as an Assistant Conservator of Forests. He was inducted into the Indian Forest Service in 2014, with retrospective allocation to the 2008 batch.
Over nearly three decades of service, Gurung has held multiple key positions, including:
- Conservator of Forests (Territorial), Forest & Environment Department, Govt. of Sikkim
- Divisional Forest Officer (DFO)
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO), State CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority)
Prior to his elevation as CCF, Gurung was serving as Conservator of Forests in the Forest and Environment Department, where he significantly contributed to forest conservation and sustainable management initiatives across Sikkim.
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Key Contributions and Achievements
Conservation and Environmental Advocacy
Gurung has been a vocal advocate for balancing development with conservation, particularly in the context of linear infrastructure projects in Sikkim. His efforts focus on sustainable forest management and wildlife protection.
Capacity Building and Modern Techniques
He has organized and led numerous workshops on wildlife management and modern data collection techniques, including the use of GIS mapping and camera traps for biodiversity monitoring, strengthening the state’s capacity for scientific forest management.
Environmental Stewardship
With nearly 30 years of dedicated service, Gurung has played a pivotal role in policy implementation, environmental protection, and promotion of sustainable forest practices in the Himalayan region.
Education
Udai Gurung holds a Master’s degree in Forestry from SFSC, Coimbatore, which has underpinned his technical expertise in forest and wildlife management.
