Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has officially appointed Dr. K. Murugesan, a veteran Indian Forest Service officer of the 1994 batch, as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF).
This appointment, formalized through an order issued by the Department of General Administration and Public Grievances, marks a strategic move to strengthen the state’s forest administration and environmental governance.
As HoFF, Dr. Murugesan will oversee Odishas entire forest administration, including wildlife protection, afforestation, and climate change initiatives.
Dr. Murugesan, who recently attained the PCCF rank in Level-16 of the IFS Pay Matrix, is serving as PCCF (Nodal). Beyond his administrative credentials, Dr. Murugesan is widely recognized by his peers and the public as a dedicated nature lover with a reputation for being an honest and kindhearted personality. These personal attributes have defined his approach to public service, allowing him to lead with both integrity and empathy.
His elevation to the highest position in the Department of Forest & Environment comes at a time when the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, is prioritizing the accelerated implementation of critical infrastructure projects in the railway, telecommunications, and highway sectors. Dr. Murugesan’s expertise perfectly positions him to manage the critical interface between development and environmental safeguarding.
An accomplished academic, Dr. Murugesan holds a Ph.D. in Entomology with a specialization in Insecticide Toxicology. This scientific temperament, combined with his deep-rooted commitment to nature, has informed his approach to biodiversity conservation. His professional history includes managing wildlife sanctuaries and overseeing forestry development projects, alongside a notable four-year term as Member Secretary of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB).
Under his leadership at the OSPCB, the state implemented several sustainability-driven policies aimed at balancing industrial growth with ecological responsibility. Additionally, his role as Director of the Centre for Environmental Studies (CES) resulted in national recognition, with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change conferring the award for Best Implementing Agency for the Environment Education Programme upon the organization.
The appointment of Dr. Murugesan as HoFF is expected to provide stable, ethical leadership for the Odisha Forest Department. His presence at the helm ensures that while development accelerates, the integrity of Odisha’s rich natural heritage remains a top priority, supported by a fast-track clearance process that remains transparent and judicious.