Bhubaneswar: In a significant move that underscores the Government of Odisha’s commitment to both development and conservation, veteran Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer Dr. K. Murugesan has been elevated to the prestigious grade of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).
This promotion places Dr. Murugesan, an IFS officer of the 1994 batch in Level-16 of the IFS Pay Matrix, formalizing his crucial role as the PCCF (Nodal). Department of General Administration and Public Grievances has issued orders on 12 December. Currently he is serving as Additional PCCF(Nodal).
Dr. Murugesan’s expertise perfectly positions him to manage this critical interface between development and environmental safeguarding. Having already served as Additional PCCF (Nodal), his proactive and positive approach has already streamlined project processing, ensuring that necessary clearances are not a bottleneck but a well-managed step towards progress.
His assignment as PCCF (Nodal) is of paramount importance, particularly as the state government, led by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, emphasizes the swift and judicious clearance of major infrastructure projects in Railways, Telecommunications, and Road and Highways.
With his profound understanding of forest conservation (evident from his prior experience managing a wildlife sanctuary and working in the forestry sector development projects) and his scientific temperament (backed by a Ph.D. in Entomology and specialization in Insecticide Toxicology), Dr. Murugesan embodies the ideal custodian for this crucial post.
Dr. Murugesan is widely recognized as an ace environmentalist with a deep and caring commitment to nature. His professional journey is marked by dedicated service in sensitive ecological and regulatory roles, including a successful tenure as Member Secretary of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) for over four years.
During his time at OSPCB, he was instrumental in advancing sustainability-driven policies, balancing industrial growth with ecological responsibility. He also held the charge of Director, Centre for Environmental Studies (CES), where his leadership was vital in garnering a National Award for the ‘Best Implementing Agency for the Environment Education Programme’ (EEP) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. This achievement highlights his strategic vision in fostering an environmentally conscious younger generation in Odisha.
His continued presence at the helm of the Nodal Organization of Odisha Forest Department assures that while development accelerates, the integrity of Odisha’s rich natural heritage remains a top priority, earning appreciation for the state’s balanced and fast-track clearance process.