P. Pugazhendi now heads up Kerala's wildlife management as chief wildlife warden (CWW) . A veteran of Indian Forest Service from 1996 batch,he's also principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife).
Dr. Pugazhendi isn't just experienced; he's educated. He holds a Forestry postgrad from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and PhD from Forest Research Institute,Dehradun,focused on Forest Biodiversity Conservation. He knows teak plantations well,especially in Malabar and Travancore.
Before this role,he was conservator of forests for Kollam's southern circle. Oversaw four districts: Thiruvananthapuram,Kollam,Pathanamthitta,and Alappuzha . His forestry work pairs with admin roles like director of Sports and Youth Affairs,managing director of MILMA,director of Scheduled Tribes Development.
His appointment arrives as Kerala tackles conservation and biodiversity challenges. How his leadership shapes policy and practice remains to be seen…
