Ziraat Times News Desk
JAMMU, MARCH 10 – In a significant administrative move, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir has ordered a large-scale reshuffle of senior officers within the Department of Forest, Ecology, and Environment.
The order, issued by Commissioner/Secretary Sheetal Nanda (IAS) under Government Order No: 57-JK(FST) of 2026, involves the transfer and posting of 14 high-ranking officials, including members of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) and State Forest Service (SFS).
Key Appointments and Transitions
The reshuffle affects several key wings of the department, including Wildlife, Social Forestry, and the Pollution Control Committee.
High-Level IFS Postings
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Sh. Chaturbhuj Behara (IFS, 1996): Currently Director of J&K Forest Research Institute, he will now hold the additional charge of PCCF (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, relieving Sh. Sarvesh Rai.
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Dr. V. S Senthil Kumar (IFS, 2005): While serving as Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, he has been assigned additional duties as Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu. Notably, he will also oversee the duties of Regional Director, Social Forestry, Jammu, during the maternity leave of Ms. Shaveta Jandial.
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Ms. Vanjulavalli Sridhar (IFS, 2012): Previously awaiting posting, she has been appointed as Conservator of Forests, Research Circle.
Changes in Pollution Control & Social Forestry
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Ms. Shaveta Jandial (IFS, 2013): Transferred from the Pollution Control Committee (Jammu) to serve as Regional Director, Social Forestry Department, Jammu.
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Sh. Suresh Manda (IFS, 2016): Moves from JKFDCL to take over as Regional Director, Pollution Control Committee, Jammu.
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Sh. Safeer Hussain (DCF): Transferred from DFO Social Forestry Jammu to take charge as Regional Director, Pollution Control Committee, Kashmir.
Full List of Transfers at a Glance
Officer Name |
Previous/Current Position |
New Posting/Additional Charge |
Ms. Jyotsana (IFS) |
Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu |
CGM (Eco-tourism & Diversification), JKFDCL |
Sh. Zubair Ahmad Shah (DCF) |
GM, South Extraction Circle, JKFDCL |
Joint Director, Soil & Water Conservation, Kashmir |
Ms. Hitashi Sharma (DCF) |
Deputy Director, Forest Protection Force |
DFO Social Forestry Division, Kathua |
Sh. Vijay Kumar Verma (DCF) |
DFO, Mahore Forest Division |
DCF M&E, Social Forestry |
Sh. Abhijeet Joshi (DCF) |
I/c Regional Director, Pollution Control (Kash) |
GM (Adm.), JKFDCL |
Sh. Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone |
I/c DCF (Wildlife) |
Project Coordinator (Biodiversity), WUCMA |
Sh. Ashok Kumar Kalsi (ACF) |
DFO, Social Forestry Division, Kathua |
DFO, Social Forestry Division, Jammu |
Sh. Sudershan Singh (ACF) |
Awaiting orders |
DFO, Mahore Forest Division |
