Sonali Ghosh: Trailblazing Woman Leading Kaziranga National Park
Breaking new ground, Sonali Ghosh, an accomplished Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, is set to make history as the first female field director of the renowned Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam.
Currently, the Deputy Conservator of Forests for Research Education and working plan division in Guwahati, Ghosh’s ascent to field directorship signifies a remarkable stride for gender equality within the Indian Forest Service. Taking the reins from retiring Jatindra Sarma on September 1, Ghosh’s appointment is a milestone for women’s representation in leadership roles.
A distinguished achiever, Ghosh emerged as the top performer in the IFS batch of 2000-2003. Armed with an array of qualifications, she holds post-graduate degrees in forestry and wildlife science, as well as environmental law from the National Law School of India. She also boasts a degree in systems management.
Her expertise extends to a doctorate in remote-sensing technology, where she focused on habitat suitability for tigers in the Indo-Bhutan Manas landscape. Notably, she is a recipient of the esteemed Whitley Award for her remarkable contributions to tiger conservation.
Coming from a family with a background in the Army, Ghosh’s passion for forest and wildlife conservation blossomed early. In her new role, she expressed her honor and commitment to collaborating with the park’s staff in safeguarding its distinctive wildlife and natural surroundings.
Kaziranga National Park, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, sprawls across various districts, sheltering diverse endangered species including rhinos, tigers, elephants, and water buffaloes.
Sonali Ghosh’s appointment stands as a testament to the progress achieved in bridging gender gaps within the Indian Forest Service. She serves as an inspiring role model for young women aspiring to excel in the realm of wildlife conservation.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Shethepeople
