Bhubaneswar: A true nature lover, Dr. K. Murugesan’s arrival as the PCCF and HoFF of Odisha marks a departure from the clinical, number-heavy management style often seen in State Forest Sector. Instead of viewing the forest as a collection of timber assets or target-based plantation sites, his roadmap treats Odisha’s canopy as a living, breathing ecosystem. This shift stems from his identity as a genuine naturalist, ensuring that every policy he drafts is rooted in biological necessity rather than just administrative compliance.
According to sources, his strategy focuses heavily on the integrity of the beat. For Dr. Murugesan, protection starts with the morale and equipment of the ground-level Forest Guard. His roadmap seeks to modernize the frontline through better field kits and digital reporting tools that reduce paperwork, allowing officers to spend more time on actual patrol. By prioritizing the welfare of these guardians, he is strengthening the first line of defense against poaching and illegal felling.
A significant chapter of his conservation plan is dedicated to the state’s aquatic lifelines. He frequently reminds us of the irreplaceable role wetlands play in conserving biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, regulating water systems, and combating climate change. In his vision, a forest cannot be healthy if its associated marshes and lakes are degraded. By protecting the riparian zones and inland wetlands, his roadmap ensures that these natural sponges continue to mitigate floods and provide a sanctuary for migratory birds and aquatic species.
In the realm of urban forestry, his plan moves beyond the simple aesthetic of green cities. He is advocating for functional urban forests that act as carbon sinks and biodiversity corridors and other major hubs. This includes a more rigorous selection of native, sturdy species like Neem, Karanja, and Baula that can withstand the cyclonic winds frequently hitting the coast, ensuring that the state’s urban greening efforts are not wiped out in a single storm season.
The technological aspect of his roadmap is particularly ambitious. Under his direction, the department has finalized a comprehensive tech-driven strategy for the 2026 wildfire season. This includes the deployment of artificial intelligence-enabled cameras and drones for early smoke detection in remote patches. To complement this, a massive network of firebreak lines covering 20,461 kilometers has been established. This proactive stance is a result of analyzing previous data where satellite alerts helped manage nearly 30,000 fire points with a high response efficiency.
Community involvement remains a non-negotiable pillar of his conservation philosophy. Dr. Murugesan has activated awareness campaigns across 336 villages through Forest Protection Committees and Eco-Development Committees. By integrating advanced AI surveillance with traditional community stewardship, he aims to protect the livelihoods of those dependent on Odisha’s rich biodiversity. His roadmap also addresses the human-elephant conflict with a scientific lens, prioritizing the restoration of food sources within deep forests and securing fragmented corridors to keep wildlife within protected zones naturally.