In the heart of India’s environmental stewardship stands Mr. K. Murugesan, a 1994-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer whose life is a vibrant tapestry of dedication, expertise, and an unyielding love for nature. Recently appointed as the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Forest Department-cum-Nodal Officer, Forest Conservation Act (FC Act), and formerly the Member Secretary of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Murugesan’s journey is one of relentless service to the planet. His career, spanning over three decades, reflects a rare blend of scientific rigor, administrative acumen, and a deep-seated passion for safeguarding ecosystems. As of April 1, 2025, his story continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark on India’s forests and environmental policies.
Early Life: A Seed Planted in Curiosity
K. Murugesan was born into a modest family in Tamil Nadu, where the rhythms of rural life and the richness of nature shaped his formative years. Surrounded by fields, forests, and the hum of wildlife, he developed an early fascination with the natural world. As a child, he was often found peering into ant colonies or chasing butterflies, his inquisitive mind soaking in the wonders of biodiversity. His parents, recognizing his potential, encouraged his pursuit of knowledge, fostering a spirit of inquiry that would define his future.
Murugesan’s academic path was nothing short of stellar. He earned a Master’s degree in Science, followed by a Ph.D. in Entomology with a specialization in Insecticide Toxicology from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. This academic foundation didn’t just equip him with technical expertise—it ignited a fire to address environmental challenges through science and policy. His doctoral research on the impact of insecticides on ecosystems laid the groundwork for his lifelong mission to balance human progress with ecological health.
READ ALSO = In the verdant tapestry of India’s environmental landscape, Ms. Uma Nanduri emerges as a vibrant thread
Stepping into the Wild: The IFS Journey Begins
In 1994, K. Murugesan joined the Indian Forest Service, a decision that catapulted him into the frontlines of conservation. His training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehradun was a crucible, sharpening his skills in forestry, wildlife management, and environmental governance. Emerging as a dynamic officer, he was assigned to Odisha, a state teeming with biodiversity—from the mangrove-laden coasts of Bhitarkanika to the tiger-roamed hills of Similipal.
His early years in the field were a baptism by fire. Posted as a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Murugesan tackled everything from illegal logging to human-wildlife conflicts with a hands-on approach. Colleagues recall his fearless treks into dense jungles, clipboard in hand, mapping out strategies to protect endangered species. His tenure managing a wildlife sanctuary for four years stands out as a golden chapter—his innovative measures reduced poaching and earned him widespread admiration.
A Scholar in the Woods: Blending Science and Service
Murugesan’s scientific bent set him apart. From 2010 to 2017, he served at the Indian Institute of Wood Science and Technology in Bengaluru, where he delved into research on sustainable forestry. Here, he explored the intersection of wood technology and environmental preservation, contributing insights that influenced national policies. His Ph.D. expertise in entomology often came into play, whether he was studying pest impacts on forests or advocating for safer pesticide alternatives.
Back in Odisha, he rose steadily through the ranks, taking on roles that demanded both grit and vision. As Director, Environment, and Special Secretary in the Forest and Environment Department, he spearheaded the state’s Climate Change Action Plan for 2021-2030. This ambitious blueprint showcased his ability to think long-term, weaving climate resilience into Odisha’s environmental framework.
READ ALSO = Manoj V. Nair was born into a world where nature wasn’t just scenery, it was a way of life
Leading with Purpose: Member Secretary, SPCB Odisha
In 2020, K. Murugesan was appointed Member Secretary of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), a role that thrust him into the complex arena of industrial pollution and environmental regulation. Odisha, with its thriving mining and manufacturing sectors, presented a unique challenge—how to foster economic growth without choking the air or poisoning the rivers. Murugesan rose to the occasion with characteristic zeal.
Under his leadership, the SPCB tightened emissions norms, cracked down on non-compliant industries, and promoted cleaner technologies. He introduced community-driven monitoring programs, empowering locals to report violations—a move that bridged the gap between regulators and citizens. His tenure saw a marked improvement in air and water quality indices, earning him respect as a pragmatic yet principled leader. Even as he juggled administrative duties, he never lost sight of his roots, often visiting polluted sites to assess conditions firsthand.
A New Chapter: Additional PCCF and Nodal Officer, FC Act
In a recent reshuffle, Murugesan was elevated to Additional PCCF, Forest Department-cum-Nodal Officer, Forest Conservation Act, a role that places him at the helm of Odisha’s forest conservation efforts as of April 1, 2025. This position is a natural progression for a man of his caliber, tasked with overseeing compliance with the FC Act—a critical law governing forest land use. His mandate includes reviewing development projects, ensuring sustainable land management, and protecting Odisha’s 51,000 square kilometers of forest cover.
Murugesan’s approach is already making waves. He’s leveraging technology—think satellite imagery and GIS mapping—to monitor forest health, while advocating for compensatory afforestation to offset industrial impacts. His dual role as a nodal officer positions him as a key liaison between the state and the central government, a responsibility he shoulders with his trademark blend of diligence and foresight.
The Man Behind the Mission
Beyond the titles and accolades, K. Murugesan is a man of quiet intensity. Lean and wiry, with eyes that gleam with purpose, he’s often seen in khaki, poring over maps or scribbling notes in the field. Friends describe him as a listener—someone who absorbs every detail before offering a measured, thoughtful response. His office, cluttered with research papers and insect specimens, is a reflection of his dual identity as a scientist and a forest guardian.
In his personal life, Murugesan finds solace in nature. An avid trekker, he’s scaled peaks across India, from the Western Ghats to the Eastern Himalayas, often with his family in tow. His wife, a fellow environmentalist, and their children share his love for the wild, making their home a hub of green ideas. “The forest is my teacher,” he once remarked, a sentiment that encapsulates his philosophy.
Triumphs and Trials
Murugesan’s career is studded with triumphs—reducing poaching in sanctuaries, greening industrial zones, and crafting climate strategies. Yet, the road hasn’t been smooth. He’s faced pushback from powerful lobbies, navigated bureaucratic tangles, and wrestled with the ever-looming threat of climate change. Each challenge, though, has only sharpened his resolve, turning obstacles into opportunities for innovation.
A Legacy Unfolding
As Additional PCCF and Nodal Officer, K. Murugesan is poised to leave a lasting legacy. His work today—protecting forests, curbing pollution, and building resilience—will echo for decades. He’s not just a custodian of Odisha’s natural heritage; he’s a torchbearer for a sustainable future, inspiring countless others to join the fight for a greener planet. In every rustling leaf and flowing river, his story lives on—a testament to what one determined soul can achieve
READ ALSO = Prem Kumar Jha IFS, Odisha’s New Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)