Maruti Chitampalli died: Indian naturalist, wildlife conservationist, and Padma Shri awardee Maruti Chitampalli died on 18 June 2025 at the age of 92 in Solapur, Maharashtra, India.
He served in the Maharashtra State Government’s Forest Service. He also worked in various forests and national parks in Maharashtra.
He retired from his service as Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests in Maharashtra. He also worked as a Marathi writer and was mentored by writer Gopal Nilkanth Dandekar.
He was born on 5 November 1932 in India. His full name was Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli, and he completed his education at the State Forest Service College in Coimbatore. He began his career in the Maharashtra State Government’s Forest Service.
He introduced various parks, including Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Navegaon National Park, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, and Melghat Tiger Reserve.
He received the Padma Shri award in January 2025, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Previously, in 2017, he was awarded the Vinda Karandikar Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award by the Government of Maharashtra.
He was known for RutuChakra, Nisargwani, Aamhi NisargPremi, Pakshikosh, Pranikosh, Pranav, Godase Jivhala, Gavran Tepa, VanVihar, and Junglecha Doctor.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra said, “Maruti Chitampalli was not just a forest officer, but a guardian of Maharashtra’s natural heritage. His passing is a loss to every citizen who cherishes nature. His life’s work will continue to inspire conservation efforts for generations.”
“Shri Chitampalli was a legend among forest officers. His deep knowledge, humility, and unwavering commitment to the environment made him a role model for generations of officers,” Indian Forest Service statement.
