Faridabad: NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company and a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), has appointed Debendra Dalai as its new Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO). A 1999-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer belonging to the AGMUT cadre, Dalai formally assumed charge of the position on November 2, 2026.
Dalai holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree and brings more than 27 years of experience in public administration, environmental governance, regulatory affairs and institutional management. His appointment is expected to strengthen NHPC’s vigilance framework, corporate integrity, transparency and governance practices.
Before joining NHPC, Dalai held several important administrative and forest department positions, including Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) in Arunachal Pradesh and senior positions in the Chandigarh Administration.
Debendra Dalai’s Previous Experience in Forest Administration
During his tenure as Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Arunachal Pradesh, Dalai also served as the Nodal Officer for the Forest (Conservation) Act (FCA).
In this capacity, he played an important role in evaluating and facilitating major infrastructure and power-sector proposals, including NHPC’s Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, Dibang Multipurpose Project and Etalin Hydroelectric Project.
His experience in handling environmental clearances and regulatory procedures has given him significant exposure to infrastructure development and environmental governance.
Read also: NHPC Appoints Rajesh Kumar as Executive Director Through Promotion After 27 Years of Service
Key Roles in Chandigarh Administration and Environmental Governance
Dalai has also held several senior positions in the Chandigarh Administration, where he served as Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of Environment.
During his tenure, he contributed to various initiatives related to environmental conservation and sustainable development. These included the Rooftop Solar Project and the establishment of Chandigarh Bird Park.
He also served as Vice Chairman of the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC).
His other administrative assignments included:
- Senior Deputy Director at the Survey of India.
- Conservator of Forests in Daman & Diu.
- Chief Conservator of Forests in Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
- Senior administrative responsibilities in the Chandigarh Administration.
These assignments provided him with extensive experience in environmental regulation, public administration and institutional management.
International Exposure and Participation in Climate Change Programmes
Debendra Dalai has also participated in several international capacity-building programmes focused on organisational management and environmental governance.
He visited New Zealand and Australia as part of a programme on innovations in organisational management. During the visit, he engaged with institutions including Victoria University of Wellington and the Crawford School of Public Policy.
Dalai also represented the Chandigarh Administration at the Conference of Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
He participated in international climate forums at the India Pavilion in Katowice, Poland, and Madrid, Spain, where he presented Chandigarh’s initiatives and efforts to address climate change.
Debendra Dalai’s Role as NHPC Chief Vigilance Officer
As Chief Vigilance Officer, Dalai will lead NHPC’s Vigilance Division and oversee initiatives aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and ethical practices across the organisation.
His responsibilities will focus on:
- Promoting corporate integrity and transparency.
- Strengthening preventive vigilance mechanisms.
- Improving governance practices.
- Supporting institutional accountability.
- Ensuring greater emphasis on regulatory compliance and ethical administration.
His experience of over 27 years across forest administration, environmental governance, regulatory processes and public administration is expected to contribute to NHPC’s vigilance and corporate governance framework.
His appointment comes at a time when transparency, regulatory compliance and institutional accountability remain important priorities for public sector enterprises in India.
About NHPC Limited
NHPC Limited is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Headquartered in Faridabad, Haryana, the company is one of India’s leading hydropower development organisations. It is engaged in the planning, development and operation of hydroelectric power projects and has also expanded its presence in solar and other renewable energy sectors. NHPC plays an important role in strengthening India’s renewable energy capacity and supporting the country’s clean energy transition.
