Bhubaneswar: Dr. Sudarsan Panda, a distinguished IFS Officer of the 1987 batch, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).
Dr. Panda brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this crucial role, having served in various significant capacities throughout his illustrious career.
Before his superannuation from Government Service in 2021, Dr. Panda held key positions within the state government, including Director of Nandankanan, Chief Executive of the Chilika Development Authority, and Special Secretary of the Forest & Environment Department. He also served as the PCCF & Project Director of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP). His contributions were instrumental in the formulation of the World Bank-funded Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project of Odisha.
Dr. Panda’s extensive experience also includes a tenure with the Government of India from 1995-99 as the Regional Deputy Director (Wildlife) in the Western Regional Office, Mumbai. He underwent specialized training for the recovery of endangered species in the UK and for the prevention and detection of wildlife crimes in the USA, underscoring his commitment to conservation and environmental protection. His global exposure includes attending numerous international workshops and conferences across 12 countries, including Canada, USA, UK, Australia, China, and Japan.
A recognized authority in his field, Dr. Panda’s areas of interest encompass Biodiversity Management, Wetland Management, and Coastal Zone Management. He is a prolific author with 11 books on various aspects of wildlife biology and biodiversity to his credit, and has published 72 research papers in national and international journals. Furthermore, he has guided five students to achieve their PhD degrees from Utkal University and Berhampur University.
Dr. Panda’s previous engagements include serving as a member of the Odisha Biodiversity Board and currently functioning as a Member in the Regional Empowered Committee (REC), Bhubaneswar Regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Govt. of India. His appointment as Chairman of SEIAA is widely seen as a significant step towards strengthening environmental governance and sustainable development in the state.