Professional Experience and Achievements:

After completing 37 years of public service, I superannuated on 31 May 2023 as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Head of Forest Force in Karnataka, in the Apex Scale. Currently, I have joined as a Consultant Visiting Scientist at the Divecha Centre for Climate Change, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, extending my work and personal experience as the Director General of the Environment Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI), Bangalore, a Government of Karnataka organization dealing with climate change and other environmental issues.

I have served in several organizations dealing with forestry, environmental policy and research, public health, law enforcement, and ecotourism. Highlights of my experiences include:

Afforestation and Regeneration:

• Established an afforestation programme using native species and developed a model for regenerating forests by promoting the rootstock of degraded forests. This model has been highly effective and cost-efficient, providing significant benefits to marginalized communities through employment generation, contributing to soil conservation, and enhancing biodiversity.

Environmental Protection - Policy and Research:

• As Director General of EMPRI and Member Secretary of the Karnataka Biodiversity Board, I established initiatives to promote applied policy research in climate science and environmental compliance. This involved researchers, policymakers, civil society organizations, community representatives, and law professionals.
• Formulated strategic policy initiatives about the environment and climate change and recommended to the Government of Karnataka suitable legal mechanisms for implementing these policies.
• Supervised and administered scientific research related to air and water pollution, water conservation, climate change, ecological issues, and environmental impact assessments of various projects.
• Instrumental in establishing a methodology for preparing People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) as mandated by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Over 6,000 PBRs were documented using this methodology, which was later adopted by other states.

Forest Management Involving Local Communities:

• Implemented several programs to operationalize Village Forest Committees (VFCs) to create livelihood and income-generating opportunities while ensuring sustainable forest management. These programs involved women, marginalized groups, and tribal communities.

Human-Animal Conflict Mitigation Programmes:

• Initiated several programs to mitigate human-animal conflicts in the fringes of protected areas. This included creating awareness, employing practical measures to address the conflicts, and engaging closely with community leaders and farmers.
• Established open lines of communication to build trust and involved communities in decision-making processes. Provided alternative livelihood options to reduce dependence on natural resources and decrease direct conflicts with wildlife.

Law Enforcement:

• As a Forest Officer, law enforcement was at the core of all my assignments. Dealt with issues ranging from deforestation, illegal logging, protected area management, wildlife protection, and the rights of indigenous communities.

Ecotourism and Community Development:

• During my tenure at Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd., a Government of Karnataka Enterprise, established several eco-resorts in Karnataka in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. These initiatives promoted community development by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, fostering environmental conservation, and empowering communities.

Agroforestry and Organic Farming:

• Worked extensively in Agroforestry and Organic Farming. Implemented and promoted sustainable agricultural practices that integrate trees and shrubs into crop and livestock systems, enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and providing economic benefits to farmers. Successfully directed the Organic Farming Project for the Horticulture Department, Bangalore, creating significant impacts in sustainable farming practices.