Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday administered the Oath of Office to Suresh Kumar Gupta, who has been appointed as 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 officers and officials associated with the water resources sector.
Congratulating Gupta on his appointment, the Chief Secretary expressed confidence that his vast administrative experience and expertise in natural resource management would further strengthen the Authority’s efforts towards ensuring sustainable, equitable and efficient management of water resources across the Union Territory.
The Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Regulatory Authority is a statutory body responsible for regulating and overseeing the development, management and conservation of water resources in the Union Territory. The Authority plays a key role in promoting integrated water resource management, safeguarding water security and advising the government on policies and strategies related to sustainable water use.
According to the official notification, Gupta was appointed as Chairperson of the JKWRRA vide 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, Suresh Kumar Gupta has over three decades of experience in public administration, environmental governance, forest management and natural resource conservation.
During his 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 in the Culture, Tribal Affairs and School Education Departments.
Gupta has additionally served as Chairman of the J&K Biodiversity Council, Chief Wildlife Warden, Director Social Forestry, Director 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 extensive experience in environmental stewardship, watershed conservation and sustainable resource management is expected to contribute significantly to the functioning of the Water Resources Regulatory Authority.
On assuming office, Gupta thanked the government for reposing confidence in him and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening water governance, promoting sustainable utilisation of water resources and ensuring effective regulation of the Union Territory’s water sector in the larger public interest.