Environmentalist
Colonel Prakash Tewari: Champion of Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Resilience
Colonel Prakash Tewari (Retd), with a Master’s in Disaster Management (Environmental Science), has been a trailblazer in sustainable development, ecological policy, and disaster risk reduction. His work seamlessly integrates grassroots impact with global best practices, shaping policies and projects that safeguard the environment and empower communities.
Environmental Leadership & Ecological Management
Colonel Tewari has led major ecological initiatives across India and globally. His key contributions include:
Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects.
Designing, funding, and executing biodiversity conservation projects.
Mapping environmental risks and natural resource vulnerabilities using GIS tools.
Developing Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) through detailed ecological and resource mapping.
Creating Environmental Monitoring Indices, identifying indicator species, and training personnel in ecological stewardship.
Facilitating compliance with legal and statutory environmental norms across diverse geographies and sectors.
Disaster Management Expertise
An accomplished disaster management strategist, Colonel Tewari has:
Led the mapping of natural and man-made disaster vulnerabilities, risks, and hazards.
Directed the creation and execution of Disaster Management Plans for national emergencies.
Coordinated relief and recovery efforts—ensuring delivery of aid, restoration of services, and inter-agency collaboration.
Spearheaded operational strategies to optimize resource and capacity utilization during crises.
Managed rescue and relief operations with high-impact efficiency across affected regions.
Policy Leadership in the Indian Army
As Director Policy Ecology, Integrated HQ, Ministry of Defence, Colonel Tewari:
Drafted national ecological and environmental policies for the Ministry.
Collaborated with ministries including MoEF, MoRD, MNRE, MoWR, and the Ministry of Tourism on policy matters and parliamentary bills.
Developed and funded major land and environmental projects.
Trained military personnel and sensitized corporate and industrial leaders on ecological responsibility.
Enabled UNDP-funded ecological restoration projects across Indian states.
Achievements:
UN Award for Professional Leadership in Asia
Raised State Ecological Organizations with UNDP funding
National Green Governance Awards from the Prime Minister of India
Appointed to:
National Board of Wildlife
National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board
Boards of major MNCs and NGOs for environmental guidance
Corporate Environmental Strategy
In leadership roles at Tata Power, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, and DLF, Col. Tewari integrated sustainability into business operations across India, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia.
Key initiatives:
Social and Environmental Risk Assessments for steel, power, mining, real estate, and infrastructure projects (brownfield and greenfield)
Renewable energy and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Africa
Biodiversity Mapping and formulation of Environmental & Livelihood Conservation Strategies
Water conservation projects, including groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, and wetland development
Promoted green governance by aligning corporates and banks with sustainability goals
Urban Ecology and Smart City Innovation – DLF Gurgaon
As Executive Director, DLF, Colonel Tewari led the Gurgaon Rejuvenation Initiative:
Designed and implemented urban ecological restoration and smart city frameworks
Conducted biodiversity studies for urban planning
Formed a corporate consortium for pollution control, sustainable mobility, and disease prevention
Led collaborations on energy audits, waste management, and resource optimization in urban settlements
National Role in Environmental Governance
Currently, Colonel Tewari serves on the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Infra 1 and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC):
Reviews and appraises environmental clearance proposals under EIA Notification 2006
Scrutinizes EMPs for infrastructure development including ports, SEZs, roads, industrial zones, and coastal projects
Plays a key role in ensuring ecologically responsible national development
Walking the Talk: A Life Rooted in Sustainability
Beyond his official roles, Colonel Tewari lives the principles he advocates. His eco-friendly home features:
Rainwater harvesting
Solar power generation
Organic composting
Habitat creation for birds and butterflies
Green landscaping and horticulture
“Sustainability is not just policy—it is practice, lifestyle, and legacy.”
