In the heart of India’s wilderness, where the roar of tigers meets the rustling of ancient trees, Mr. Manoj V. Nair stands as a beacon of dedication and resilience. A 2001-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, Manoj has carved an illustrious path through the dense jungles and bureaucratic corridors alike. Currently serving as the Director of Nandankanan Biological Park and holding the additional charge as CEO of the Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), his journey is a riveting tale of passion, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to preserving nature’s legacy. From the rugged terrains of Odisha to the helm of one of India’s premier zoological parks, Manoj’s life is a vibrant tapestry of adventure, leadership, and environmental stewardship.
Early Years: A Seed Planted in Nature’s Soil
Manoj V. Nair was born into a world where nature wasn’t just scenery, it was a way of life. Hailing from a modest family in Kerala, a state renowned for its lush greenery and biodiversity, he grew up surrounded by the symphony of forests and backwaters. As a child, he was the curious explorer, often found wandering through local groves, observing birds, or marveling at the intricate dance of ecosystems. His parents, recognizing his love for the outdoors, nurtured his inquisitive spirit, encouraging him to see the world through the lens of wonder and responsibility.
Education became the fertile ground where his passion took root. Manoj pursued a degree in Forestry, blending his love for science with his desire to protect the wild. His academic years were marked by brilliance and a relentless drive to understand the delicate interplay between flora, fauna, and human existence. It was during this time that he set his sights on the Indian Forest Service—a prestigious yet demanding career that promised to merge his ideals with action. In 2001, after conquering the grueling IFS examination, Manoj stepped into the world of forestry, ready to leave an indelible mark.
READ ALSO = Prem Kumar Jha IFS, Odisha’s New Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
A Forest Officer’s Odyssey
Manoj’s early years in the IFS were a baptism by fire. Posted to Odisha, a state teeming with biodiversity yet fraught with conservation challenges, he plunged into the thick of it. From the mangrove-laden coasts of Bhitarkanika to the tiger-rich forests of Similipal, he tackled issues head-on—poaching, illegal logging, and human-wildlife conflict became his battlegrounds. With a lean frame and a steely resolve, Manoj trekked through unforgiving terrains, often leading teams of rangers into the night to thwart poachers or rescue stranded wildlife. His hands-on approach earned him the respect of his peers and the gratitude of the communities he served.
Over the years, Manoj’s career blossomed as he rose through the ranks. His assignments spanned diverse landscapes, each one adding layers to his expertise. Whether it was restoring degraded forest patches, crafting policies for sustainable resource use, or mediating tensions between villagers and elephants, he displayed a rare blend of pragmatism and compassion. Colleagues recall his ability to inspire—be it through a motivational talk at a ranger outpost or a detailed plan to revive a dying ecosystem. His mantra was simple yet profound: “Nature thrives when we listen to it.”
Leading Nandankanan: A New Chapter in Conservation
In a career-defining move, Manoj V. Nair was appointed Director of Nandankanan Biological Park in Odisha, a renowned sanctuary that blends the charm of a zoo with the sanctity of a wildlife reserve. Nestled near Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan—meaning “Garden of Heaven”—is home to white tigers, Asiatic lions, and a host of other species, drawing visitors from across the globe. For Manoj, this role was more than an administrative post; it was a chance to redefine conservation in a modern context.
Under his stewardship, Nandankanan has undergone a renaissance. Manoj introduced cutting-edge conservation techniques—think breeding programs for endangered species like the pangolin and gharial, alongside habitat enrichment initiatives that mimic the wild. He’s a firm believer in education as a tool for change, launching outreach programs that bring schoolchildren face-to-face with nature’s wonders, sparking curiosity and care in young minds. His leadership has also seen the park embrace technology, from advanced surveillance to monitor animal health to visitor apps that enhance the experience without disturbing the ecosystem.
Manoj’s days at Nandankanan are a whirlwind. One moment, he’s strategizing with veterinarians about a tiger’s diet; the next, he’s walking the park’s trails, ensuring every enclosure reflects his vision of dignity for its inhabitants. His warm demeanor—often seen sharing a smile with staff or chatting with tourists—belies the intensity of his mission: to make Nandankanan a global model for ethical wildlife management.
READ ALSO = In the verdant tapestry of India’s environmental landscape, Ms. Uma Nanduri emerges as a vibrant thread
Dual Role as CEO of CAMPA: Greening India’s Future
As if directing Nandankanan wasn’t enough, Manoj took on the additional charge as CEO of the Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) in Odisha. This role thrust him into the heart of India’s afforestation efforts, managing funds to offset forest loss due to development projects. It’s a Herculean task—balancing ecological restoration with economic demands—but Manoj approaches it with the same zeal that defines his career.
As CEO, he oversees ambitious projects: planting millions of trees, rehabilitating degraded lands, and ensuring that every rupee spent translates into tangible green cover. His innovative streak shines here too—integrating community participation into afforestation drives, he’s turned villagers into stakeholders, teaching them to nurture saplings as if they were their own. Under his watch, CAMPA has become more than a funding body; it’s a movement, stitching together fragmented landscapes and breathing life back into barren earth.
The Man Behind the Mission
Manoj V. Nair is more than his titles. At 6 feet tall, with a thoughtful gaze and a voice that carries both authority and kindness, he’s a figure who commands attention without demanding it. His office at Nandankanan is a reflection of his life—maps of forest reserves, photographs of rare species, and stacks of reports share space with a worn-out trekking bag, a nod to his days in the field. Friends say he’s happiest with mud on his boots, whether he’s planting a tree or tracking a leopard’s trail.
In his personal life, Manoj is a family man, married to a fellow nature enthusiast who shares his love for the wild. Their two children have inherited his adventurous spirit, often joining him on trips to explore Odisha’s sanctuaries. An avid reader and a skilled photographer, he captures the beauty of the natural world in frames that tell stories of survival and serenity. “Every creature, every leaf, has a purpose,” he once said, a philosophy that guides both his work and his soul.
READ ALSO = Manoj V. Nair was born into a world where nature wasn’t just scenery, it was a way of life
Triumphs and Trials
Manoj’s journey hasn’t been without its thorns. He’s faced down poaching syndicates, battled bureaucratic inertia, and wrestled with the impacts of climate change—rising temperatures and shrinking habitats that threaten his every effort. Yet, his triumphs speak louder: a thriving population of white tigers at Nandankanan, thousands of hectares reforested through CAMPA, and countless lives—human and animal—touched by his work.
One standout victory was his role in curbing illegal wildlife trade in Odisha’s forests. Leading covert operations with precision and grit, he dismantled networks that preyed on the state’s biodiversity, earning commendations from the government and conservationists alike. Another feather in his cap is his push for sustainable tourism at Nandankanan, proving that conservation and public engagement can coexist.
A Legacy Unfolding
As of April 1, 2025, Manoj V. Nair continues to shape the future of India’s natural heritage. His dual roles at Nandankanan and CAMPA are testaments to his versatility and vision—a forest officer who doesn’t just protect the wild but reimagines how it can thrive in a changing world. His legacy is already taking root: in the trees that sway under Odisha’s skies, in the animals that roam safer habitats, and in the people he’s inspired to care.
Manoj’s story is far from over. With every sunrise, he steps into the fray—boots laced, heart ablaze—ready to fight for a planet that’s greener, wilder, and more alive. In him, India has not just a forest officer, but a guardian of its soul.