Munish Sood
MANDI: In a moment of immense pride for Himachal Pradesh, IAS officer Vivek Chandel has been awarded the best performer in case study writing at the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, during the 127th Induction Training Programme.
The award was presented at a formal ceremony held at Vivekananda Hall, where Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla personally felicitated Vivek Chandel in the presence of LBSNAA Director Shriram Taranikanti and Course Director Shelesh Nawal. His performance distinguished him among 97 officers from 19 states who participated in the academy’s six-week flagship training programme designed to enhance governance capabilities, leadership qualities and ethical orientation.
Record trout production under Vivek Chandel’s leadership
Adding to this national recognition, Vivek Chandel was also selected by his fellow participants to serve as the Master of Ceremonies during their call-on with the President at Rashtrapati Bhawan on June 3, 2025, a rare honour reflecting the confidence and respect he commands among his peers.
Currently serving as Director-cum-Warden, Department of Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh, since October 2023, Vivek Chandel has led the department through a phase of historic growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the fisheries sector in the state has witnessed remarkable advancements:
The department has achieved a breakthrough in Golden Mahseer breeding and conservation. While the Mahseer Breeding Farm at Machhiyal (Jogindernagar) had never exceeded 5,000 fingerlings in previous years, the production surged to 87,000 fingerlings in 2024-25, thanks to scientific interventions and focused efforts. For the first time in department’s history, Golden Mahseer ranching was successfully carried out in both the Gobind Sagar and Pong reservoirs.
Topper of Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services in 2004
Himachal Pradesh recorded an all-time high trout fish production of 1,608 metric tonnes in the financial year 2024-25, up from 1,405 MT in 2023-24. This significant jump is attributed to the introduction of Cold Water Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) technology.
The pilot project at Patlikuhal Trout Farm in Kullu district has reached the harvesting stage, and private-sector adoption of this advanced method is now underway with one operational unit and two more under construction.
A consistent high achiever, Vivek Chandel was the topper of the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HAS) Exam in 2004 and was subsequently promoted to the IAS. His career reflects a blend of visionary leadership, administrative discipline, and on-ground innovation.
His recent accolades at LBSNAA serve as a national endorsement of his capabilities, while his current role showcases his ability to translate policy into impactful action.
Also part of the 127th induction batch were Himachal officers Suneel Sharma (Special Secretary, Technical Education) and Vinay Kumar (ADC-Kangra). Chandel’s extraordinary performance not only stands out among his peers but also shines a spotlight on Himachal Pradesh as a nurturing ground for administrative excellence.
