Hemendra Singh Panwar

Hemendra Singh Panwar (22 March 1937 – 29 May 2026) was an Indian conservationist and civil servant, known for his efforts in the fields of wildlife and conservation. He was the first director of the Wildlife Institute of India and was the director of Project Tiger. The Government of India honoured him, in 2013, with Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, for his services to the environment and conservation.

Biography Hemendra Singh Panwar was born on 22 March 1937 in Balaghat district of Central Provinces and Berar. He started his career in Indian Forest Service, which took off with his posting at Mandla. In 1969, he was transferred to South Mandla which covered the forest areas of Kanha which had a sparse head count of 30 tigers and Barasinghas (swamp deer) numbering 66.

Awards and recognition Hemendra Singh Panwar has won several awards and honours for his services. Padma Bhushan – 2013 Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award – 1998 Padma Award Ceremony List of Books on WorldCat