Saroj Kumar Panda
Wildlife Service Awards 2025
Saroj Kumar Panda
Forest Department official, leader, conservationist
Project Tiger, launched in 1973 with the identification of nine key tiger strongholds, marked the beginning of one of India’s most ambitious conservation journeys. Since then, it has expanded to include 58 tiger reserves across the country. With the return of the tiger to many forests, these landscapes have witnessed a revival not only of the big cat but of entire ecosystems teeming with flora and fauna. This resurgence, much like the tiger’s own recovery, has been made possible by individuals who consistently place the wellbeing of the biosphere above all else. One such dedicated guardian is Saroj Kumar Panda, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Satkosia Wildlife Division, Odisha Forest Department.
Though his early academic interests leaned toward mathematics, it was the wild world surrounding his home in Odisha that shaped young Panda’s curiosity and passion for nature. His connection with wildlife grew not from textbooks but through countless moments spent observing the natural world first-hand. That early fascination eventually led him to study wildlife and later explore it through the lens of his father’s Pentax SLR camera, marking the start of his journey into wildlife photography.
With over 30 years of service in the Odisha Forest Department, Panda has served in several key postings – as Range Forest Officer in Badrama, Khalasuni, and Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuaries; later as the Assistant Conservator of Forests at the Satkosia Tiger Reserve; and, since 2021, as Deputy Conservator of Forests for the Satkosia Wildlife Division. From his early fieldwork to his current leadership role, Panda has steadily risen through the ranks through dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife.
One of the most testing moments in his tenure came early on, during the capture and relocation of a tigress named Sundari. Introduced to Satkosia as part of a tiger reintroduction programme, Sundari soon became the centre of escalating conflict between local communities and forest officials. The operation to capture her demanded exceptional caution, logistical precision, and courage. Panda led this high-stakes mission under intense public scrutiny and local resistance. Looking back, he recalls the tension and close encounters of those days vividly, experiences he says that still send shivers down his spine.
Under Panda’s steady leadership, the Satkosia Tiger Reserve has made remarkable strides in recovery. According to the Management Effectiveness Evaluation by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Satkosia rose from the ‘Fair’ category in 2014 to ‘Very Good’ in 2022, a testament to his vision and perseverance.
But Panda’s care extends beyond tigers. His compassion for all living creatures has guided numerous conservation successes. He is an active member of the Chadhei Club, which promotes sparrow conservation, and has played a pivotal role in the revival of the endangered gharial in Satkosia. This year, 29 gharial hatchlings were discovered on a sandbar in the Mahanadi Gorge. The Satkosia Gorge, situated within the tiger reserve, was declared a Ramsar Site in 2021, recognising it as a Wetland of International Importance.
Beyond the gharial, Panda has been deeply involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of a range of species across Odisha, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and others, often stepping in personally during high-conflict or dangerous situations. His hands-on approach has earned him the trust of both his colleagues and the communities he serves.
Thanks to his consistent efforts, herbivore populations in Satkosia have rebounded, signalling a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. Community engagement initiatives and sustainable livelihood programmes have reduced human-wildlife conflict, while stringent anti-poaching enforcement coupled with local participation has helped curb illegal activities. These collective measures have now paved the way for the translocation of 16 tigers to Satkosia in a phased programme – a new chapter in its ecological recovery.
Beyond the borders of Satkosia, Panda continues to collaborate with NGOs to strengthen conservation work across western Odisha. As a photographer, he captures the spirit of the forests he protects, using imagery to inspire empathy and awareness.
The future he envisions is one where humans and wildlife coexist in harmony. In Panda, we see not only a fierce guardian of the tiger but also a restorer of its home, a protector of all that wild India stands for.
Saroj Kumar Panda has consistently met challenges with courage, protected India’s wild heritage with deep commitment, and breathed life back into ecosystems through meaningful action. He is a true guardian of the wild. For this we honour Saroj Kumar Panda with a Sanctuary Wildlife Service Award, 2025.