Udai Gurung Appointed Chief Conservator of Forests, Sikkim

Veteran Forest Officer Elevated Under Super Time Scale; Known for Policy Implementation, Environmental Protection, and Sustainable Practices

Senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Udai Gurung has been officially elevated to the post of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Sikkim, as per a notification issued by the Department of Personnel. The appointment, approved by the Governor of Sikkim, takes immediate effect under the Super Time Scale (Level‑14 of the Pay Matrix). Gurung’s promotion marks a significant milestone in a career spanning nearly three decades, dedicated to forest conservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

Career Journey of Udai Gurung

A seasoned officer of the 2008 IFS batch, Gurung began his professional journey in 1996 as an Assistant Conservator of Forests in the Sikkim State Forest Service. In 2014, he was formally inducted into the Indian Forest Service, with retrospective allocation to the 2008 batch.

Over the years, he has held several pivotal positions, including:

Conservator of Forests (Territorial), Forest & Environment Department, Government 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 played a crucial role in advancing conservation initiatives and promoting sustainable forest management across the state.

Key Contributions and Achievements

Conservation and Environmental Advocacy

Gurung has consistently championed the cause of balancing developmental needs with ecological preservation. His work has been particularly impactful in the context of linear infrastructure projects in Sikkim, where he emphasized sustainable forest management and wildlife protection.

Capacity Building and Modern Techniques

He has spearheaded numerous workshops and training programs on wildlife management, introducing modern scientific tools such as GIS mapping and camera traps for biodiversity monitoring. These initiatives have significantly strengthened the state’s capacity for evidence‑based forest management.

Environmental Stewardship in the Himalayas

With nearly 30 years of service, Gurung has been instrumental in policy implementation, environmental protection, and the promotion of sustainable forest practices tailored to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. His leadership has been vital in ensuring that conservation remains at the forefront of governance in Sikkim.

Educational Background

Udai Gurung holds a Master’s degree in Forestry from SFSC, Coimbatore, which has provided him with a strong technical foundation in forest and wildlife management. His academic expertise has complemented his field experience, enabling him to integrate scientific knowledge with practical conservation strategies.

Conclusion: A Veteran Officer Shaping Sikkim’s Forest Governance

The appointment of IFS Udai Gurung as Chief Conservator of Forests underscores the government’s recognition of his long-standing contributions to forest conservation and environmental protection. His career reflects a rare blend of technical expertise, administrative leadership, and unwavering commitment to sustainable development in the Himalayan region.