Mysore/Mysuru: Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer P.A. Seema from Ponnampet in Kodagu district has made history as the first woman Director of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (Project Tiger), a region renowned for its rich wildlife, including tigers and elephants. 

Her appointment marks a significant milestone, as this is the first time a woman has been assigned to this prestigious role by the State Government.

Previously, Seema served as Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Hunsur Division. Her appointment as Director was officially confirmed on Aug. 14, and she has since commenced her duties.

An IFS Officer from the 2017 batch, Seema has a distinguished career, having served as DCF in Madikeri, Mysuru, Mandya and Hunsur Divisions.

Over the past two years, she also held the additional role of DCF for the Elephant Task Force, where she gained recognition for her effective management of wild elephants that strayed into populated areas, such as Hunsur and K.R. Nagar.

The Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, straddling the Karnataka-Kerala border and spanning the Mysuru and Kodagu districts, faces significant challenges including poaching and human-wildlife conflict. 

Local communities have been calling for a capable officer to address these issues and protect the interests of forest-edge villages. Seema’s appointment is a response to this need.

Challenges remain, but Seema is committed to making improvements. “I have assumed the role of Director of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. Drawing on my previous experience as DCF of Madikeri Wildlife Division and the Elephant Task Force, I am dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by Nagarahole and enhancing its management,” she told Star of Mysore.

Top women officers

In the Mysuru region, the presence of female officers in key Forest Department positions has recently increased. Currently, three women hold prominent roles: Dr. Malathi Priya is the Conservator of Forests of Mysuru Division, Deep J. Contractor is the Director of Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Tiger Reserve, and now, P.A. Seema is the Director of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. 

Furthermore, women officers are also making significant contributions to the Department as ACFs, RFOs and DRFOs.