S D Bhardwaj

Prof Shrwan Dev Bhardwaj is a distinguished academician, researcher, and administrator with over 35 years of experience in forestry, agronomy, and medicinal and aromatic plants. He has held key positions, including Dean of the College of Forestry, Nauni, Solan (2006-2010) and Director of Research at UHF Nauni, Solan (2008-2009). 

An expert in forestry and agronomy, Prof Bhardwaj holds a PhD in Agronomy (Medicinal & Aromatic Plants) from Palampur (1985) and has completed specialised training, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Forestry from Utah, USA (1987) and a Certificate Course in Agroforestry from San Jose, Costa Rica (1986) and Regional Course on Gender, ICIMOD-Nepal (1988). His academic contributions include restructuring undergraduate and postgraduate forestry curricula to enhance education standards and establishing a book bank for underprivileged students. He has also served as Chairman and Member of various university, state, and national committees and promoted collaborations with industries, NGOs, and international institutions to advance forestry education and research.

As an educator, Prof Bhardwaj has taught forestry at UG and PG levels, mentoring and guiding 17 MSc and 11 PhD students. His research contributions are substantial, having handled 10 major research projects as a Principal Investigator and developed plantation technologies for degraded areas. His work in medicinal and aromatic plants has resulted in creating packages of practices promoting sustainable agriculture. Additionally, he has been instrumental in establishing a 200-hectare plantation on the university campus and rehabilitating 100 hectares of mined land in Solan and Sirmour districts using sustainable forestry practices.

Prof Bhardwaj’s commitment to environmental conservation is evident through his work in Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) models, which promote sustainable land management. His scholarly contributions include over 125 research papers, five books, and 16 bulletins/reports on forestry, agronomy, and environmental conservation. His expertise and contributions have been recognised with prestigious awards, including the World 2000 Millennium Award (1999), the Social Forestry Award (1995), and the Man of the Year Award by the American Board of Research (2000).

With a legacy of academic excellence, environmental stewardship, and research innovation, Prof Shrwan Dev Bhardwaj continues to be an inspiration in forestry, agronomy, and sustainable environmental practices. His work has impacted academia, research, and policy-making, shaping the future of forestry education and conservation efforts.