Dr. Sonali Ghosh is poised to make history as she becomes the first woman to hold the esteemed position of Field Director at Kaziranga National Park. Nestled in the heart of Assam, this park is renowned for its iconic one-horned rhinos and spans across Nagaon, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, Sonitpur, and Biswanath districts. Effective from September 1, the Assam government has formally appointed Dr. Ghosh to this significant role.
Presently serving as the Chief Conservator of Forests for the Research Education and Working Plan Division at the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force in Guwahati, Dr. Ghosh is a distinguished Indian Forest Service officer. She is poised to succeed the incumbent Field Director, Jatindra Sarma, who is set to retire on August 31.
Dr. Ghosh’s journey has been marked by a deep-seated passion for forest and wildlife conservation. Hailing from a family with ties to the military, she knew from an early age that her calling lay in the preservation of natural habitats and wildlife.
As a testament to her academic prowess, Dr. Ghosh emerged as the top-ranking candidate in the Indian Forest Service batch of 2000-2003. Her educational journey is adorned with an array of degrees, including a post-graduate degree in forestry and wildlife science. Additionally, she holds post-graduate diplomas in environmental law from the National Law School of India and systems management.
A distinguished achiever, Dr. Ghosh has earned a doctoral degree in remote-sensing technology, specializing in habitat suitability for tigers in the Indo-Bhutan Manas landscape.
Kaziranga National Park, steeped in a legacy spanning 118 years, is set to experience a trailblazing transformation under Dr. Ghosh’s leadership. As she steps into her new role, her vast expertise and dedication to conservation are poised to make a lasting impact, further elevating the park’s prominence in the realm of wildlife preservation.