KANAK LAL LAHIRI
Kanak Lal Lahiri was from the 1938-40 batch of Bengal Forest Service. After independence when the Indian Forest Service was reconstituted he was absorbed in the IFS in 1966. He served many divisions of forests with distinction for a very long period. Wherever he was posted, he was always accompanied by his wife Smt. Santwana Lahiri . Both of them had a remarkable association with forest and the people associated with this service. Mr. Lahiri was the Chief Conservator (CF) in the Northern Circle during 1956-57 and in the Southern Circle during 1957-60. He was the Conservator General of Forests (presently redesignated as CCF) of West Bengal from 11.05.1960 to 28.12.1972 during which he was instrumental in bringing several initiatives in West Bengal Forests activities. Mechanical harvesting and departmental intercropping forestry plantations in North Bengal were introduced during his tenure. Different Technical Divisions like Minor Forest Produce Division, Cultural Operations Division, Silviculture (South) Division etc. were introduced during his period. He was IG of Forests of India during 1973-74 when he took initiative to establish the Eastern Forest Rangers College (Kurseong) and the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. After his retirement he was associated with several NGO’s to promote conservation of nature and other social activities. He expired on 16.07.2001.
