Sanjay Kundu is an accomplished Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1989 batch, who has devoted over three decades to public service—excelling in law enforcement, governance, and international peacekeeping. He has held leadership roles with the State and Central Governments, as well as the United Nations.
As the Director General of Police (DGP), Himachal Pradesh (May 2020 – April 2024), he spearheaded transformative initiatives that strengthened law and order, including the adoption of the New York Police Department’s “broken windows” and “tipping point” policing strategies. Under his leadership, Himachal Pradesh was awarded the prestigious President’s Police Colours—India’s highest honour for uniformed forces.
Beyond policing, Kundu played a pivotal role in India’s water resource management as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources. He led the World Bank-funded Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) and helped resolve critical inter-state river water disputes, including those involving the Cauvery and Narmada rivers. His contributions earned him the UNESCO Award for Leadership in Water Resources. His other key responsibilities included serving as Chairman of the Brahmaputra Board, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Mini-Ratna PSU National Projects Construction Corporation (NPCC), Director General of the National Water Development Agency (National Authority for Inter-Linking of Rivers), and Mission Director of the National Water Mission (National Authority for Climate Change).
He has previously served as Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Principal Secretary of key departments of the Government of Himachal Pradesh, and Principal Resident Commissioner in New Delhi.
Internationally, he served as United Nations Police Commissioner for South Sudan, contributing to global peace and security through conflict mitigation, human rights advocacy, and national capacity-building.
An alumnus of Harvard University, the National Defence College, and the University of Minnesota (where he was a Fulbright-Humphrey Fellow), Kundu’s distinguished career has been recognized with numerous honours. These include the President of India’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Meritorious Service, and Gallantry. He has also been honoured twice by the Secretary-General of the United Nations with the UN Medal with Bar.