Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Sunday administered the Oath of Office to Suresh Kumar Gupta, who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Regulatory Authority (JKWRRA).
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Civil Secretariat and was attended by senior government officials and representatives from the water resources sector.
Congratulating Gupta on his appointment, the Chief Secretary expressed confidence that his extensive administrative experience and expertise in natural resource management would strengthen the Authority’s efforts towards ensuring sustainable, equitable and efficient management of water resources across the Union Territory.
The JKWRRA is a statutory body tasked with regulating and overseeing the development, management and conservation of water resources in Jammu and Kashmir. The Authority plays a key role in promoting integrated water resource management, ensuring water security and advising the government on policies for the sustainable use of water resources.
Gupta was appointed Chairperson of the JKWRRA through Notification S.O. 164 dated June 9, 2026, issued under Section 139 of the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010. His appointment came into effect upon assuming charge.
A 1991-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, Gupta brings over three decades of experience in public administration, environmental governance, forest management and natural resource conservation.
During his distinguished career, he served in several key positions in Jammu and Kashmir, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF). He also held important assignments as Principal Secretary of the Culture, Tribal Affairs and School Education Departments.
Additionally, Gupta has served as Chairman of the J&K Biodiversity Council, Chief Wildlife Warden, Director of Social Forestry, Director of the Forest Protection Force, Director of the J&K Forest Research Institute and Managing Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Development Corporation (JKFDC).
Officials said his vast experience in environmental stewardship, watershed conservation and sustainable resource management is expected to significantly benefit the functioning of the Water Resources Regulatory Authority.
After assuming office, Gupta thanked the government for the trust reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening water governance, promoting sustainable water use and ensuring effective regulation of Jammu and Kashmir’s water resources in the larger public interest.
