Administration - Dean

Smt. Priyankaa Varghese, IFS

Indian Forest Service officer, 2003 batch of Telangana cadre.

Dean, FCRI Hyderabad

Education: Graduation in Forestry from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), 1998-2001 and while pursuing masters in forestry selected to the IFS in 2002. Presently pursuing Doctorate in Environmental Sciences.

Significant Achievements and Specialties: Over 18 years of experience in fields of forestry and bio-diversity conservation. University topper and Gold medalist in BSc forestry at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). All India 3rd rank holder in Indian Forest Service. Specialized in Eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation and urban Bio diversity. Presented a case-study to the honorable Prime Minister for creating jobs for unemployed youth in forest areas during my tenure as District forest officer in Khammam. Presently expert committee member on Access and benefit sharing of the National Biodiversity Authority of the Ministry of environment and forests and climate change. Served in the districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam Districts as District Forest Officer from 2003-2014 until taking the assignment as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister, in the Chief Ministers Office on 12 December 2014 to till Date. Since then overseeing the implementations of Telangana Ku Haritha Haram and Forestry issues in the Chief Ministers Office and instrumental in establishing of Forest College and Research Institute, Hyderabad. Also, presently holding post as a Dean, Forest College and Research Institute (F.C.R.I), Hyderabad and Chief Conservator of Forests in Research and Development, Hyderabad.

Workshops and Presentations: International seminar on sandalwood current trends and future prospects at IWST Bangalore. National conference on strategies for countering naxalism at Virginian Bhavan, New Delhi. Consistent participation in other workshops organized by the forest department of Andhra Pradesh forest department. Presentation to the Honorable Prime Minister of India and the Planning Commission during 2012 at VIGYNAN BHAVAN, Delhi representing Andhra Pradesh on naxalism and forestry. Delivered lectures on forestry and biodiversity, community forest management, people and forestry interface issues in various colleges, schools, and MCHRD institute, Hyderabad. Was course councilor for the officer central civil services at MCHRD institute, Hyderabad for the 2014, 2015 & 2016 batches.

Message

The Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI) extends you a warm welcome. The professional forestry education is introduced for the first time in Telangana State under the visionary guidance of Hon`ble Chief Minister, Telangana.

It is aimed at bringing out forestry professionals by introducing B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry, M.Sc. Forestry and Ph.D. Forestry programmes. The institution is also aimed at providing an outstanding learning environment, promoting research, management and outreach to the farmers.

The FCRI has academic facilities with smart classrooms, laboratories, multiple libraries, state-of-the-art seminar rooms and fully equipped auditoriums. The technologically upgraded classrooms facilitate teaching through advanced tools and techniques. The FCRI provides an eco-friendly environment to its students by being a complete plastic-free zone, and it has also taken active steps towards latest initiatives of solar heating, rainwater harvesting and other green initiatives. The campus is fully CCTV-enabled to cater to the safety requirements of the students and staff.

dean

Curriculum contains an integrated forestry syllabus in accordance with ICAR Guidelines. The first two semesters comprise of basic and fundamental courses, the 3rd and 4th semester focus on principles, the 5th & 6th semester focus on practices and the 7th & 8th semesters are aimed at skill development and experiential learning.

The course includes elaborate study tour programme across India, regular local field visits, summer internship, Ready programme and project work, NSS programme and so on. The daily schedule includes physical training, sports, class work and lab work. The balanced academic programme is aimed at unlocking the potential and hones the strength and abilities of individuals to face the competitive world. Mentorship is provided to guide students for academic excellence.

This handbook is designed to ensure that students, faculty, and staff fully understand their responsibilities and also describes the expectations for behavior and conduct in the FCRI and outlines the procedures to be followed when these expectations are not met. Your time here should be one of tremendous growth, exploration, and learning, but within the boundaries of guidelines that protect your rights as well as those of your fellow members. I along with faculty members welcome you all and will always be available for your academic progress.

Wish you an extraordinary future and wonderful accomplishments.

Emerging as a World Class Institution for

Forestry Education, Research, Management and Outreach.