The next in the monthly series by WWF-India that highlights niche and unconventional green careers through the stories of well-known personalities from the field of environment and conservation

Growing up amid the verdant wilderness of the Kumaon hills, my connection with Nature was forged in my formative years. My childhood was split between Nainital, where I went to school, and Mukteshwar, where my parents lived. In the 1960s and 1970s, I would go for long trail walks encountering only the calls of birds and pugmarks. I still remember seeing a tiger and a leopard in those enchanting forests. Those profound moments stayed with me, inspiring my journey into the Indian Forest Service (IFS).

With my keen interest in the natural world, I pursued my higher education in Agronomy and Forestry. My career in conservation has spanned over three decades, from serving as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Kerala to playing a pivotal role in the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and spearheading India’s ambitious Project Cheetah.

As a field officer, my day would begin typically at dawn, trekking through dense forests with my team and navigating leech-infested trails. You can’t ask for a better office space than this! The thrill of darkness, the whispering forest, and the raw unpredictability of wildlife encounters made each day exhilarating. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work was leading investigations into wildlife crime. I was instrumental in coordinating special operations in Kerala, including a major elephant poaching case that led to the seizure of over 500 kg of ivory artefacts and a significant shift in protection strategies.

Another key aspect involved engaging with indigenous communities. At Periyar, I worked on eco-development programmes that enhanced local livelihoods while supporting conservation efforts. This model became a template for other national parks in India.

My most significant contribution to conservation has been my involvement in Project Cheetah. From the initial stages in 2020, I played a crucial role in filing applications with the Supreme Court, coordinating bilateral meetings with Namibia and South Africa, and ensuring that the first-ever intercontinental translocation of wild cheetahs was successfully implemented. The project posed immense challenges, from logistical hurdles to concerns about ecological adaptations. Yet, seeing the first litters of cheetah cubs born on Indian soil — 14 surviving cubs across four litters — felt like a whisper of hope for the success of this initiative.

Beyond protection

Conservation is not just about protecting wildlife; it is about governance, community engagement, policy-making, and law enforcement. It is a long-term commitment, requiring resilience in the face of setbacks and constant learning from Nature itself. Throughout my career, I have honed skills in ecological management, investigative techniques, and policy strategy. Patience, curiosity, and adaptability are crucial traits for anyone entering this field.

Even after retiring from the IFS in 2024, my work in conservation continues and I remain committed to shaping conservation strategies through working with NGOs and task forces. My focus now is on securing the future of big cats and influencing policy at a broader level. If you watch the OTT series Poacher on Amazon Prime Video, there is a character based on yours truly!

For young professionals considering a career in conservation, my advice is simple: follow your passion. Conservation is a challenging yet deeply rewarding field, where every success — whether saving a species, restoring a habitat, or influencing policy — makes a lasting impact on the planet. Nature has taught me things that books never could, and I continue to learn from it to this day. If you dedicate yourself to the mission to protect Nature, the wilderness will always have something to teach you.

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