Bhubaneswar: In alignment with the global vision of “Acting Locally For Global Impact,” the state-level celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity was organized at the State Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, and Labour and Employee’s State Insurance, Odisha graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Dr. K. Murugesan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF and HoFF), Odisha, who is also the Chairman of Odisha Bio-diversity Board chaired the meeting.
The convention also saw active representation from other top administrators, including Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department; Shri K. S. Pradeep, Director of Environment; and Dr. Nihar Ranjan Nayak, Member Secretary of the Odisha Biodiversity Board
This year’s theme underscored the vital connection between grassroots environmental stewardship and worldwide ecological resilience, setting a perfect stage to highlight the leadership of Dr.K Murugesan, HOFF & Chairman Odisha Biodiversity Board.
Known across the state as a true nature lover who translates this year’s localized theme into tangible field action, Dr. Murugesan led the event alongside top environmental dignitaries and administrative leaders.
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, and Labour and Employee’s State Insurance, Odisha. In his address, the Minister shared that Odisha has solidified its position as a leading state in the country for biodiversity conservation.
Minister Shri Singkhuntia linked this success to a distinct people-centric conservation model, praising strategic local initiatives that include tiger conservation, elephant corridor protection, crocodile breeding programs, and the safeguarding of Olive Ridley turtles. He also emphasized the importance of mangrove restoration, extensive plantation drives, community forest protection, and early forest fire warning networks.
As a career environmentalist and a dedicated guardian of the state’s green canopy, Dr. Murugesan remains at the forefront of implementing these vital initiatives. A 1994-batch Indian Forest Service officer holding a doctorate in Entomology with a specialization in Insecticide Toxicology, Dr. Murugesan brings a rare blend of deep academic science and field-level empathy to his leadership.
His peers recognize him as a compassionate administrator who actively seeks to bridge the gap between necessary infrastructure development and environmental safety. From his past contributions as the Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board to his oversight of wildlife sanctuaries, Dr. Murugesan has consistently prioritized the safety of Odisha’s wild ecosystems, with a prominent focus on preventing tragic elephant electrocutions and enhancing modern forest fire response strategies.
During the celebration, the dedication of local eco-warriors was recognized through the distribution of the Guardians of Biodiversity and Champions of Biodiversity awards, following previously conducted debate and painting competitions for students. The event also marked the unveiling of four major publications detailing the state’s ecological path: Reviews on Invasive Alien Fauna Species in Odisha Wetland Ecosystem, The Tales of Gandhamardan: A Journey From Myth To Reality, the Annual Activity Report (2025–26) of the Odisha Biodiversity Board, and the official newsletter titled Strings of Biodiversity: People and Conservation.
A subsequent technical session involved detailed presentations on future action blueprints for district-level Biodiversity Management Committees. Key regulatory and informational tools, including the PBR Manual and a booklet on Local Biodiversity Fund Management Rules, were officially rolled out to help structure grassroots operations.
. They were joined by a large group of passionate stakeholders, including scientists, local community members, researchers, teachers, students, and traditional knowledge practitioners, all working collectively under a unified framework to preserve the rich biological heritage of Odisha.