Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 5: Lindsay Harold Anthony Rego, a distinguished forest technocrat, senior bureaucrat, and adjudicator, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, at the age of 96 due to age-related ailments.
Rego’s illustrious career spanned multiple fields, beginning as a scientist in forestry and culminating in his role as a member of the Central Administrative Tribunal, where he held the status equivalent to a High Court judge.
A revered member of the Indian Forest Service, Rego reached the pinnacle of his career as Inspector General of Forests, the highest post in India’s forestry domain. Concurrently, he served as secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Environment and Forests, contributing significantly to national environmental policies. His work included landmark reforms such as the revision of the National Forest Policy and the integration of forestry research and education into a unified council.
Rego was also instrumental in pioneering nature conservation and wildlife management in Maharashtra as its first Director. He laid the groundwork for social forestry in the state, earning national and international acclaim. In 1967, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recognized his outstanding contributions to forestry.
An avid scholar and writer, Rego authored numerous works on forestry, including National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra, A Handbook of Social Conservation and Afforestation, and Vanaki Marga Darshika, a Marathi guide for forestry staff. His trilogy, released in 2007, showcased his intellectual depth and literary prowess:
- Nature's Beauty and Bounty explored the diverse facets of nature through a kaleidoscopic lens.
- Silver Themes and Golden Thoughts presented essays infused with humor and positivity.
- From Sublime to the Divine delved into spiritual themes, offering profound insights.
His service extended beyond his professional domain. For his contributions to the Catholic Church, he was conferred the Papal decoration Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1980.
He was the husband of the late Patsy Rego. He leaves behind his children Vernon, Elaine, Loy Fernandes of Bengaluru, Dr Vilma/Giovanni Mascarenhas, Iona/Dr Kevin Pereira, and Sarita/Martin Nazareth of USA, grand children Rahul, Ranjan, Alan, Conrad, Karen, Nicole, Andrew, Calvin and Tricia and great grandchild Eric.
Rego’s legacy as a pioneer in forestry, a scholar, and a devout servant of the community will be remembered and celebrated.