Introduction
Nishant Verma, a distinguished Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the 1999 Uttarakhand cadre, has recently been appointed as the Joint Chief Executive Officer (Joint CEO) of the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) on central deputation. This significant move, announced on June 29, 2025, marks a pivotal milestone in his illustrious career dedicated to environmental conservation, wildlife management, and sustainable forestry. With over two decades of service, Verma’s journey is a testament to his commitment to balancing ecological preservation with developmental needs, making him a key figure in India’s environmental landscape. This article delves into his life, career, and recent transition, offering a comprehensive look at his contributions and future role.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in India, Nishant Verma exhibited an early affinity for nature and environmental stewardship. While specific details about his childhood and schooling remain private, his academic journey led him to pursue higher education in fields that complemented his passion for conservation. Verma’s educational background likely includes advanced studies in environmental science, forestry, or a related discipline, as is typical for IFS officers who undergo rigorous training at institutions like the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun. His formative years instilled a deep respect for India’s biodiversity, which would later define his professional trajectory.
Entry into the Indian Forest Service
Nishant Verma joined the Indian Forest Service in 1999, assigned to the Uttarakhand cadre, a region known for its rich biodiversity and challenging conservation landscape. The IFS, one of India’s premier civil services, recruits officers through the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. Verma’s selection into the service highlighted his intellectual prowess and dedication to public service. His training at IGNFA equipped him with technical expertise in forest management, wildlife conservation, and policy implementation, preparing him for the multifaceted challenges of the IFS.
Career Highlights in Uttarakhand
Verma’s tenure in Uttarakhand has been marked by significant contributions to forest and wildlife management. The state, home to iconic protected areas like Corbett Tiger Reserve and Nanda Devi National Park, presented both opportunities and challenges. As an IFS officer, Verma held various roles, including Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) and, more recently, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF). His work focused on critical areas such as afforestation, wildlife protection, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict, a pressing issue in Uttarakhand’s forested regions.
One of Verma’s notable assignments was his role as Deputy Inspector General of Forests (DIGF) at the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in New Delhi, where he served from at least 2018 to 2020. During this period, he was also assigned the additional charge of DIGF (Wildlife) at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). His work at NTCA involved overseeing tiger conservation strategies, habitat management, and anti-poaching initiatives, contributing to India’s success in increasing its tiger population. His extended deputation until May 2020 reflects the trust placed in his expertise by the central government.
Verma’s efforts in Uttarakhand also addressed the state’s acute shortage of IFS officers, a challenge highlighted in recent reports. Despite the cadre’s limited strength, he played a pivotal role in maintaining the state’s forest management structure, balancing administrative responsibilities with on-ground conservation efforts. His ability to navigate these constraints underscores his strategic acumen and leadership.
Transition to Central Deputation: Joint CEO, CAMPA
In a significant career development, Nishant Verma was appointed Joint CEO of CAMPA on May 22, 2025, under the Central Staffing Scheme of the MoEF&CC. This role, based in New Delhi, places him at the helm of a critical national authority responsible for managing funds for compensatory afforestation, a mechanism to offset environmental damage caused by developmental projects. CAMPA oversees billions of rupees allocated for afforestation, wildlife habitat restoration, and other green initiatives across India. Verma’s appointment to this prestigious position reflects his expertise in environmental governance and his ability to manage large-scale conservation programs.
As Joint CEO, Verma will work alongside other senior officials, including the CEO, to ensure the effective utilization of CAMPA funds. His responsibilities include coordinating with state governments, monitoring afforestation projects, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. This role demands a deep understanding of policy, finance, and ecology, areas where Verma’s extensive experience makes him an ideal fit. His prior central deputation roles, including his stint at NTCA, have equipped him with the skills to navigate complex bureaucratic and environmental challenges at the national level.
Challenges and Opportunities in the New Role
Verma’s transition to CAMPA comes at a time when India faces pressing environmental challenges, including deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The role of Joint CEO is crucial in ensuring that compensatory afforestation projects are implemented effectively, addressing criticisms about delays and mismanagement in fund utilization. Verma’s experience in Uttarakhand, where he tackled issues like human-wildlife conflict and forest degradation, will be instrumental in shaping CAMPA’s strategies.
Moreover, his appointment coincides with a period of transition in Uttarakhand’s forest department, which is grappling with a shortage of IFS officers due to retirements and deputations. While his move to central deputation is a loss for Uttarakhand, it positions him to influence national environmental policy, potentially benefiting his home cadre indirectly through improved funding and support for state-level projects.
Personal Traits and Leadership Style
Nishant Verma is known for his pragmatic yet passionate approach to conservation. Colleagues describe him as a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, adept at bridging policy and practice. His ability to work in high-pressure environments, such as NTCA and Uttarakhand’s forest department, highlights his resilience and adaptability. Verma’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration, leveraging partnerships with local communities, NGOs, and government agencies to achieve conservation goals.
His commitment to wildlife conservation aligns with the ethos of IFS officers like Neha Verma (no relation), another Uttarakhand cadre officer known for her work in wildlife management. Like Neha, Nishant combines technical expertise with a deep passion for preserving India’s natural heritage, making him a role model for aspiring forest officers.
Future Impact and Legacy
As Joint CEO of CAMPA, Nishant Verma is poised to leave a lasting impact on India’s environmental landscape. His role will involve shaping policies that balance development and conservation, ensuring that India’s forests and biodiversity are protected for future generations. By overseeing the effective use of CAMPA funds, Verma can drive large-scale afforestation and habitat restoration projects, contributing to India’s climate goals and global commitments like the Paris Agreement.
Verma’s journey from a field officer in Uttarakhand to a key figure in national environmental governance is a story of dedication and impact. His work at CAMPA will likely set benchmarks for transparency, efficiency, and ecological restoration, reinforcing his legacy as a trailblazer in the Indian Forest Service.
Conclusion
Nishant Verma’s appointment as Joint CEO of CAMPA marks a new chapter in a career defined by service to India’s forests and wildlife. From his early days in Uttarakhand to his pivotal roles at NTCA and now CAMPA, Verma has consistently demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. As he steps into this national role, his expertise and leadership will be crucial in addressing India’s environmental challenges, ensuring that the nation’s green legacy thrives amidst rapid development. His story is an inspiration, reflecting the vital role of IFS officers in shaping a sustainable future.