Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur: Sanjeev Kumar Tewari, a 2007-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer currently serving as the Conservator of Forests (North Circle), Hoshiarpur, has been assigned additional charge as the Conservator of Forests (Shivalik Circle). The move comes even as Tewari continues to juggle multiple high-level responsibilities within the Punjab government.
Pending Promotion to Chief Conservator of Forests
In May, Punjab’s Chief Secretary had issued orders to appoint Tewari as the Chief Conservator of Forests (Hills). However, his formal elevation has been delayed due to administrative constraints. According to senior government officials, Tewari cannot be officially appointed to the post until September 2025, when the position is set to fall vacant. Although he is already serving at Level 14 of the pay grade matrix—qualifying him for the position—procedural limitations have stalled the appointment.
Multiple Key Roles in Tourism and Culture Departments
Apart from his primary responsibilities in the Forest Department, Tewari currently holds an impressive array of additional posts in the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. These include:
- Special Secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs
- Director, Tourism and Cultural Affairs
- Chief Executive Officer, Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board
- CEO and General Manager, Virasat-e-Khalsa, Anandpur Sahib
- Managing Director, Punjab Tourism Development Corporation Limited
This extensive portfolio highlights Tewari’s growing administrative influence across both the environmental and cultural policy domains in Punjab.
Balancing Dual Sectors: Forests and Culture
The Punjab government’s decision to entrust Tewari with additional forestry responsibilities while he manages critical cultural infrastructure and tourism promotion reflects a broader strategy to leverage senior officers’ expertise across departments. However, it also raises questions about workload management and the operational efficiency of departments with shared leadership.
