Shri Debendra Dalai, an Indian Forest Service officer of the 1999 batch (AGMUT cadre), assumed charge as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Navratna PSU NHPC Limited on November 2, 2026. Holding an M.Sc. degree and bringing over 27 years of public administration and environmental governance expertise, Shri Dalai previously served as Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Arunachal Pradesh, where he evaluated major power sector initiatives such as the Subansiri Upper, Dibang, and Etalin hydroelectric projects. His distinguished career includes leadership roles as Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of Environment for the Chandigarh Administration, Vice Chairman of the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee, Senior Deputy Director at the Survey of India, and key forestry positions across Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
In his new role, Shri Dalai will lead NHPC’s Vigilance Division, promoting preventive vigilance, corporate integrity, and governance standards across the company’s sustainable energy portfolio. Beyond regulatory and administrative service, he has represented India at global forums including the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP) in Katowice and Madrid, and completed international capacity-building programs on organizational management in New Zealand and Australia. His appointment brings a strong balance of regulatory oversight, strategic vision, and administrative experience to India’s premier hydropower enterprise.
