Noted environmentalist, wildlife expert, and Padmashree awardee Maruti Chitampalli, fondly known as ‘Aranya Rishi’, passed away at the age of 93 in Solapur, Maharashtra, due to age-related ailments. He dedicated his life to forests, wildlife, and conservation literature. Chitampalli received the Padma Shri from the President on April 30 this year.
Maruti Chitampalli served in the Forest Department for 36 years, during which he travelled over 5 lakh kilometres across India for research and documentation. Fluent in 13 languages, he used his linguistic prowess to engage with tribal communities and collect valuable ecological and environmental data. His diaries laid the foundation for his scientific works like ‘Pakshikosha’ (Encyclopedia of Birds), ‘Pashukosha’ (Encyclopedia of Animals), and ‘Matsyakosha’ (Encyclopedia Fish)
Paying heartfelt condolences, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, Chitampalli’s demise marks the end of a glorious chapter in the country’s environmental and literary heritage. Dy.CMs Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik also paid tributes to Maruti Chitampalli.
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