M.B. Chitampalli, Forests’ Living Encyclopedia, Dies At 93

Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli, widely revered as Aranya Rishi (sage of the forest), died at his home in Solapur on the evening of June 18, 2025. He was 93.

Born on November 5, 1932, in Solapur, Chitampalli served in the Maharashtra Forest Department for 36 years, eventually retiring as Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests. In recognition of his contributions to nature and literature, he was awarded the Padma Shri in January 2025. Chitampalli leaves behind a remarkable legacy of forest conservation, environmental education, and contributions to Marathi literature.

“He was an encyclopaedia of the forest,” says Atul Deulgaonkar, veteran journalist and author, speaking to Mongabay India. “He was a good orator and narrator. He could bring in many stories from mythology to help anyone understand complex things.”

Reflecting on his interactions with Chitampalli, Deulgaonkar recalled, “I had the chance to meet him three or four times since 1992. I first interviewed him that year while we were roaming around Nagzira Tiger Reserve on an elephant. I was amazed by his knowledge. He could explain anything from ants to birds in a way that was simple and easy to understand. He used to take us into the forest sometimes and share stories about everything we saw.”

“He knew many languages, so he could talk about how tribal communities, like the Paradhi community of Maharashtra, live. How they preserve nature. He knew how people who depend on nature to live, how they protect it and take only what they need from it. That was the crux of his thinking,” Deulgaonkar added.

“He helped shape hundreds of experts who now travel, observe, and care deeply for nature,” said Deulgaonkar. “That is why social media is filled with obituaries. Anyone could walk up to him and ask a question, and he would immediately start narrating. What an anthill is, how birds build their nests. This is how he enriched us, with stories and knowledge that stayed with you.”

Chitampalli wrote more than 20 books about wildlife and conservation. His writing mixed factual detail with a storytelling style, helping many Marathi readers understand and appreciate the natural world. His first book, Pakshi Jaay Digantara (1981), was an instant bestseller and set the stage for a successful literary journey. His encyclopaedias on birds (Pakshi Kosh), animals (Prani Kosh), and trees (Vruksha Kosh) have become important resources for researchers and nature lovers alike.

“His books were read widely, and many of them went through several editions,” said Deulgaonkar. “He was highly respected for his knowledge and for the way he connected people to nature through his words.”

As a forest officer, Chitampalli played a pivotal role in the development of key wildlife sanctuaries such as Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Nagzira Sanctuary, and Navegaon National Park. He also served as Director of the Melghat Tiger Project until 1990.