Dehradun: In a major appointment for India’s environmental governance, Dr. Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj, a 1994-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed as the Director of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Known for his decades of service in wildlife and forest management, Dr Bhardwaj brings a wealth of experience and vision to this prestigious role.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), based on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee, for the appointment. Dr Bhardwaj will serve in Level 16 of the Pay Matrix from the date of assumption of charge until August 15, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
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Leadership Steeped in Conservation Experience
Dr Bhardwaj has served in numerous key roles throughout his illustrious career. He has been at the forefront of conservation efforts across India and has worked in critical forest divisions of Rajasthan, including the famed Ranthambore National Park, one of the country’s premier tiger reserves.
His leadership at the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB), where he served as Member Secretary, and his contributions to Project Tiger as Additional Director General of Forests and Member Secretary, NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority), have had a significant national impact.
Academic and Institutional Affiliation with WII
An alumnus of the University of Rajasthan, Dr. Bhardwaj specialized in Environmental Biology. His relationship with the Wildlife Institute of India dates back to 1997–1998, when he worked with the institute in the field of wildlife management, laying a foundation for his long-standing commitment to scientific conservation practices.
Vision for the Future of Wildlife Research in India
WII officials have welcomed Dr. Bhardwaj’s appointment with optimism, expressing confidence that under his direction, the institute will scale new heights in wildlife research, training, and conservation policy-making.
Colleagues and conservationists across India see his appointment as a significant step forward in achieving science-backed policy transformation, particularly in areas such as endangered species protection, habitat restoration, and climate-resilient biodiversity strategies.
Champion for Endangered Species and Arid Zone Conservation
Dr. Bhardwaj is well-regarded for his focused work on the conservation of desert wildlife, particularly the endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB). His initiatives in Rajasthan have received national acclaim, bringing attention to the fragile ecosystems of India’s arid zones and helping position the state as a conservation model.
Quotes from Peers and Experts
“Dr. Bhardwaj’s deep field knowledge, administrative acumen, and scientific grounding make him an ideal leader for WII. His appointment promises transformative progress in India’s conservation landscape,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
About Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
Headquartered in Dehradun, the Wildlife Institute of India is a premier autonomous institute under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It plays a critical role in wildlife research, training of forest officers, and formulation of evidence-based conservation policy.
