Mr. Ramesh Kumar Pandey
ADGF (Wildlife)
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
Email: ramesh.pandey [at] nic [at] in

Dr. V Clement Ben
IGF (PT&E)
Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, 
Govt.of India, New Delhi
Email: igf.fp-mef [at] gov [dot] in

Associate Nodal Officer

Anukul Nath
Scientist - C
E-mail: anukul [at] wii [dot] gov [dot] in
   

Gaurav Sirola
Consultant - B (Policy)

I’m Gaurav Sirola, a wildlife ecologist with a deep passion for nature and conservation. I was born and raised in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand, where my fascination with wildlife began at an early age. This interest led me to pursue my graduation and post-graduation in Zoology from the University of Delhi and Jiwaji University, respectively.

In 2017, I joined the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), where I’ve been fortunate to contribute to several significant conservation projects. These include documenting traditional ecological knowledge in the Himalayas through the NMSHE project, working on trans-boundary tiger recovery, and assessing the impacts of power-lines on bird species in regions like Kachchh and Assam. These projects have given me valuable experience in species monitoring, spatial data analysis, and developing conservation strategies.

Currently, I serve as a Consultant B in the Elephant Cell under the Project Elephant Division at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), focusing on elephant conservation and management across India.

Dr. Sadhana Yadav
Project Scientist- II
Email: sadhana [at] wii [dot] gov [dot] in

I hold an M.Sc. in Environmental Science and a Ph.D. in Forestry. My doctoral degree was awarded by Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, with Indian Institute of Remote Sensing serving as my research center. I am also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Scholarship (Canada). My specialization is in microwave remote sensing for the extraction of forest biophysical parameters such as aboveground biomass, tree height, and related vegetation attributes. My research focuses on integrating advanced geospatial technologies with forestry applications to support sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation.

I have worked with reputed organizations in India on several research-oriented environmental and forestry projects. Currently, I serve as a Project Scientist-II in the Elephant Cell at the Wildlife Institute of India, where I contribute to wildlife research, spatial data analysis, and provide science-based inputs for conservation planning and management.

My professional interests include remote sensing applications in ecology, biodiversity conservation, habitat assessment, and landscape-level environmental monitoring.

Dr. Netri Datta Banerjee
Project Scientist - I 
Email: netri [at] wii [dot] gov [dot] in

I am Dr. Netri Datta Banerjee, a Zoologist with a profound interest in nature and animals and a sustained commitment to advancing scientific research and conservation practice. I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Zoology at the University of Calcutta, where I developed a strong academic foundation in animal biology and ecological sciences. I subsequently earned my doctoral degree in Zoology, specializing in Fish Parasitology, from Visva-Bharati University. My doctoral research focused on the effects of Argulosis on Rohu fish and explored its biological control strategies.

At present, I serve as Project Scientist-I in the Elephant Cell at the Wildlife Institute of India under the Project Elephant Division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. In this role, I contribute to planning, coordinating, and supporting elephant conservation and management initiatives nationwide.

Kirti Bisht
Data Entry Operator
Email: bishtkirti69 [at] gmail [dot] com

From the year 2021, I am working as Data Entry Operator in the Elephant Cell under the Wildlife Institute of India. My duties are to make arrangement for meetings/ seminars / workshops besides processing of sanction orders to Elephant Range States, day to day office work etc. Since 2005, I am working in the Project Elephant Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.  My job profile in Project Elephant Division was to prepare sanction order of All Elephant Range States, making arrangement for seminars/workshops/meetings and miscellaneous matter related to Project Elephant etc. I also processed the TA/DA and sitting fees of non-official members of Project Elephant besides settling their dues if any.

Raju Rawat
Data Entry Operator
Email: ritabh65 [at] gmail [dot] com

I am currently associated with Elephant Cell of WII as a Data Entry Operator.  I am a B. Com graduate from Sabarmati University.  Before joining the Elephant Cell, I was working with Project Elephant Division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC).  I have more than a decade of working experience under various central sector scheme of Government of India.  I am proficient in dealing Human Elephant Conflict data management, Parliament related matters, application under Right To Information Act and other official administrative work.

Mr. Abhishek Sharma
Office Assistant
Email: asharma [at] wii [dot] gov [dot] in

I am a B. Tech graduate with prior experience in the IT industry. After beginning my career in the technology sector, I transitioned to the environmental domain to work in a more meaningful and balanced environment. Currently, I serve as an Office Assistant at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), supporting the Elephant Cell in various administrative and coordination-related tasks. My responsibilities include drafting official notes and correspondence for senior scientists, assisting in TA & FA settlements, coordinating meetings and workshops, and designing banners and posters for official events.

My technical background, combined with administrative experience, enables me to efficiently manage documentation and coordination work while contributing to conservation-focused initiatives in Dehradun.