Shimla, September 1: For the first time in its history, the Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, has got a woman at the helm.
Dr. Manisha Thapliyal, a forestry scientist with over 27 years of experience, today took charge as the Director of the premier institute under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).
Dr. Thapliyal has worked extensively in forestry research, education, silviculture, seed technology, forest genetic resources, and sustainable natural resource management.
She has contributed to several All India Coordinated Research Projects, authored national and international publications, and led capacity-building programmes.
With international exposure through conferences and workshops, she brings both expertise and vision to her new role.
Soon after assuming charge, Dr. Thapliyal underlined the ecological significance of the Himalayas.
“The Himalayan region is vital for the ecological security of our country. Considering the fragile ecology, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood challenges of local communities, my efforts will be to make the Institute’s research more useful and relevant.
With team spirit, innovation, and collaboration, I will strive to take HFRI to greater heights,” she said.
She added that climate change, land degradation, forest fires, biodiversity loss, and livelihood issues pose serious threats to the Himalayan ecosystem, making HFRI’s work crucial not just for science but also for society.
Her vision is to strengthen research, foster innovation, and ensure that scientific findings reach the ground where they matter most.
HFRI, Shimla, is a leading research institute dedicated to forest conservation, biodiversity management, and forestry-based livelihood enhancement in the Himalayan region.