Mysore/Mysuru: Dr. P. Ramesh Kumar, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer and former Director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, currently awaiting posting, has been assigned to the position of Conservator of Forests (Project Tiger), Mysuru, filling a previously vacant post.

This decision comes following the declaration that the role of Conservator of Forests (Project Tiger), Mysuru, holds equivalent status and responsibilities to the cadre post of Conservator of Forests (Development), Bengaluru. The State Government, in agreement with the Election Commission of India, has issued this order.

The Conservator of Forests (Project Tiger), Mysuru, shoulders the significant responsibility of overseeing all five Tiger Reserves in Karnataka.

Dr. Ramesh has been selected for this position based on his extensive experience in wildlife management and his commendable performance at Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

During his tenure at Bandipur, there were no reported fire incidents over the past three years, and no instances of poaching or hunting of scheduled animals. Under his leadership, Bandipur has emerged as the second-best managed tiger reserve in India out of 53 reserves, according to the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) exercise. The Reserve boasts top rankings in Tiger, Elephant and Leopard population management.

Dr. Ramesh has spearheaded several impactful outreach programs, such as Bandipur Yuva Mitra and implemented outstanding tribal development initiatives like the lantana craft for Women Tribal Self-Help Group, 24×7 emergency ambulance services, free LPG distribution and beehive box distribution.

With his vast experience, Dr. Ramesh is poised to elevate the performance of all four other tiger reserves to the level achieved at Bandipur.

His wife Dr. Malathi Priya is currently serving as Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Circle.