Lindsay Rego: Trailblazer in Forestry and Conservation
Lindsay Harold Anthony Rego, an eminent forest technocrat and former senior bureaucrat, passed away on December 3, aged 96, due to age-related complications.
A pioneer in Indian forestry, Rego’s career began as a scientist and culminated in his tenure at the Central Administrative Tribunal, where he served with the authority of a High Court judge. As an esteemed member of the Indian Forest Service, he rose to the role of Inspector General of Forests, the apex position in Indian forestry. Simultaneously, he served as secretary in the Department of Environment and Forests, shaping national environmental policies. His notable contributions included revising the National Forest Policy and unifying forestry research and education under a single council.
In Maharashtra, Rego was the first Director of Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management, spearheading social forestry initiatives that garnered global recognition. His remarkable work earned him accolades, including an FAO award in 1967.
An accomplished author, Rego penned several influential works, such as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra and Vanaki Marga Darshika, a Marathi forestry guide. His 2007 trilogy showcased his literary brilliance: Nature’s Beauty and Bounty, Silver Themes and Golden Thoughts, and From Sublime to the Divine.
Rego’s contributions extended to the Catholic Church, earning him the Papal honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1980. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
Rego’s legacy lives on as a beacon of dedication to forestry and environmental conservation.
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