Debendra Dalai, a 1999-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, assumed charge as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of NHPC Limited on 2 November 2026. NHPC, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Government of India, has appointed him to lead its vigilance function and strengthen transparency and corporate integrity.
Dalai holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree and brings over 27 years of experience in public administration, environmental governance and institutional management.
Debendra Dalai’s Previous Administrative Assignments
Before joining NHPC, Dalai served as Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) in Arunachal Pradesh. As the Nodal Officer for the Forest (Conservation) Act (FCA), he contributed to the evaluation and advancement of major infrastructure and power-sector proposals. These included NHPC’s Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, Dibang Multipurpose Project and Etalin Hydroelectric Project.
His experience in environmental clearances and regulatory processes is relevant to NHPC’s hydropower development activities.
During his tenure with the Chandigarh Administration, Dalai served as Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of Environment. He contributed to initiatives involving the Rooftop Solar Project, environmental conservation and the establishment of Chandigarh Bird Park. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC).
His other assignments included serving as Senior Deputy Director at the Survey of India and holding the positions of Conservator of Forests and Chief Conservator of Forests in Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
International Exposure and Climate Engagement
Dalai has participated in international capacity-building programmes. He travelled to New Zealand and Australia for a programme on innovations in organisational management, visiting institutions such as Victoria University of Wellington and the Crawford School of Public Policy.
He also represented the Chandigarh Administration at the Conference of Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). His engagements included the India Pavilion at Katowice, Poland, and Madrid, Spain. He also presented Chandigarh’s climate change initiatives at an international forum.
NHPC Vigilance Function to Focus on Governance
As Chief Vigilance Officer, Debendra Dalai will lead NHPC’s Vigilance Division. His responsibilities will include strengthening corporate integrity, preventive vigilance, transparency and sound governance across the organisation.
His experience in forest administration, environmental governance and infrastructure-related regulatory processes adds to the leadership of NHPC’s vigilance function. The appointment comes amid the growing importance of regulatory compliance and institutional accountability across public sector enterprises.
