SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered a significant reshuffle within its Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, directing the immediate transfer and posting of several senior forestry officers.
The official order, issued by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government, Sheetal Nanda, on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor, outlines key leadership transitions aimed at streamlining administrative interests across the region.
Under the new directives, Kamal Preet, an Indian Forest Service officer from the 1997 AGMUT cadre who was awaiting orders of adjustment, has been appointed as the Director of Social Forestry for Jammu and Kashmir. She has also been tasked with holding the additional charge of Director of Soil and Water Conservation.
Meanwhile, Suneesh Buxy, currently serving as the Managing Director of the Forest Development Corporation Limited, is set to take over as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, alongside serving as the Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Research Institute. He will assume these roles at the end of July following the superannuation of the current incumbent, Mr Chaturbhuj Behera.
To fill the vacancy left by Buxy, K. Anandh has been transferred from his post as Conservator of Forests (Central) to become the new Managing Director of the Forest Development Corporation Limited. M.K. Kumar will subsequently take on Anandh’s former responsibilities as Conservator of Forests (Central) and Conservator of Forests (Vigilance) in addition to his current duties.
Further key appointments include Sandeep Kumar, who has been posted as the Regional Wildlife Warden for Jammu, and Sandeep Divyajyoti Behera, who takes over as the Divisional Forest Officer for the Udhampur Forest Division. In younger ranks, Ashish Bishnoi has been transferred to serve as the Assistant Director and Wildlife Warden of Jambu Zoo, succeeding Amrik Singh, whilst Jhansi N. has been posted as the Divisional Forest Officer for the Kathua Forest Division.
Additionally, Pankaj Raina will hold the additional charge of Divisional Forest Officer for Minor Forest Produce in Jammu to cover an existing vacancy.
