Bhubaneswar: Shri Subrat Kumar Panda, an IAS officer of the 2015 batch has formally assumed charge as the Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management in Odisha.
This key position, crucial to the state’s agricultural resilience and environmental sustainability, had been vacant following the deputation of Shri Nikhil Pavan Kalyan an IAS, 2012 batch to the vital role of Director Census Operations for Odisha.
Shri Panda’s appointment is being widely hailed as a strategic move by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment. His reputation as a “pro-people mandarin” precedes him, stemming from his exemplary service as Collector and District Magistrate of Boudh.
During his 11-month tenure in Boudh, which concluded just recently, Shri Panda distinguished himself through deep engagement with the local populace, particularly in remote and hilly regions. Villagers in hilly regions openly expressed their faith in his ability to address long-standing issues such as road connectivity and water scarcity, and to ensure their inclusion in various government welfare schemes.
His approachable demeanor and proactive efforts in tackling grassroots problems fostered a strong bond with the communities, leading to palpable sorrow among residents upon his departure.
The role of Director, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management, is pivotal for Odisha, an agrarian state highly susceptible to environmental challenges. The department is responsible for critical functions including:
- Implementing comprehensive watershed development programs,
- Controlling soil erosion,
- Promoting water harvesting techniques,
- Enhancing groundwater levels,
- Encouraging suitable afforestation, agro-forestry, and horticulture initiatives,
- Repair and restoration of common property assets, and
- Building awareness around environmentally sound agricultural practices.
Given Odisha’s focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and mitigating the impacts of climate change, Shri Panda’s experience in understanding ground realities from his time in Boudh is expected to be invaluable in this new, state-level strategic role.
Shri Panda’s posting is aimed at streamlining governance and bringing dynamic leadership to key agriculture sector for the state’s development.
In fact Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who has earlier served as Princpal Secretary Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment in Odisha Government and Union Secretary in Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare , Government of India seems to have picked up Shri Panda for this crucial post, said sources in State Administration.