New Delhi: Debendra Dalai has assumed charge as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of NHPC Limited on 2 November 2026. A 1999-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, Dalai will head the company's Vigilance Division.
Dalai holds a Master of Science degree. Before joining NHPC, he served as Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) in Arunachal Pradesh. As the state's nodal officer for the Forest (Conservation) Act, he was involved in the assessment and advancement of major infrastructure and power projects, including NHPC's Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, Dibang Multipurpose Project and Etalin Hydroelectric Project.
Experience in Environment and Public Administration
Dalai has held several key positions during his career across Union Territories and central departments. In Chandigarh, he served as Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of Environment, where he contributed to rooftop solar initiatives and environmental programmes. His assignments also included the establishment of Chandigarh Bird Park and serving as Vice Chairman of the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee.
He has also served as Senior Deputy Director at the Survey of India and as Conservator of Forests and Chief Conservator of Forests in Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
Dalai has participated in international capacity-building programmes on organisational management in New Zealand and Australia, including engagements with Victoria University of Wellington and the Crawford School of Public Policy.
He also represented Chandigarh at the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties in Katowice, Poland, and Madrid, Spain. At the international forum, he presented initiatives undertaken by the Chandigarh Administration to address climate change.
Vigilance Role at NHPC
At NHPC, Dalai will oversee vigilance functions, including preventive measures and efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and governance across the organisation.
With more than 27 years of experience in public service, his background in administration, environmental policy and regulatory work brings a broad range of expertise to the role.
