changeadminMinister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav today presided over the 4th Eco Warrior Awards and Eco Warrior Conclave, organised by the Indian Forest Service Association (IFSA) and Indian Masterminds, in New Delhi.
The event brought together senior forest officers, conservationists, policymakers, scientists, civil society representatives and industry representatives to recognise outstanding contributions to forest, wildlife and environmental conservation.
Addressing the event, Mr Yadav said India’s forests are vital ecological infrastructure supporting water, climate, soil, biodiversity and livelihoods. He also recognised frontline forest personnel and stressed the role of tribal and forest-dependent communities as conservation partners.
The Minister said conservation has become more complex, with forest officers required to manage entire ecological landscapes while balancing development, livelihoods, human aspirations and the needs of wildlife.
He said the emerging challenges include climate change, increasingly frequent and unpredictable extreme weather events, forest fires, water stress, habitat fragmentation and invasive species, alongside growing pressure on land and natural resources.
He called for a landscape approach that brings together forests, wildlife, agriculture, water, livelihoods and human settlements.
Mr Yadav said conservation is not merely a government responsibility but a national responsibility.
He described the Forest Service as a service entrusted with the stewardship of India’s natural capital and acknowledged the contribution of frontline forest personnel, including beat guards, rangers and other staff who patrol forests, respond to forest fires and protect wildlife habitats.
He said their contribution must never be forgotten and that they convert conservation policy into conservation on the ground.
The Minister said the Eco Warrior Awards celebrate courage without publicity, service without applause and commitment without immediate rewards, and called for the awards to inspire many more people to work for India’s forests, wildlife and environment.
He concluded by saying India’s conservation journey under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to show the world that development and environmental stewardship can advance together.
During the awards ceremony, Mr Yadav presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Brij Kishore Singh, a 1976-batch IFS officer of the Karnataka cadre, in recognition of his decades-long contribution to forest and wildlife conservation.
During his career, Singh played an important role in efforts to combat sandalwood smuggling and the activities of notorious brigand Veerappan, besides contributing to forest protection and wildlife conservation in Karnataka.
Eco Warrior Award Winners
The Eco Warrior Awards recognised forest officers and conservation professionals across several categories:
Protected Area Management
Recognised for strengthening tiger and wildlife conservation through technology, protection measures and community participation.
- Dr Prakash Chand Gogineni, Conservator of Forests and In-charge Field Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha
- Manish Singh, DFO, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh
Wildlife Protection and Conservation
Recognised for community-based conservation, scientific monitoring, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and anti-poaching operations.
- Ms Selvi S. Senbagapriya, DCF (Genetics), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Dr Sanjeev Sharma, DCF, Palampur Forest Division, Himachal Pradesh
Environment Conservation
Recognised for scientific water conservation and restoration of springs and streams, Amur falcon protection, community engagement, and conservation of the Doyang Reservoir.
- Dharm Singh Meena, Conservator of Forests, Bhagirathi Circle, Uttarakhand
- Suman Shivashankar Sivachar W.M., DFO, Wokha, Nagaland
Community Connect
Recognised for linking conservation with community livelihoods and for constructing a timber bridge within six hours following the Samej cloudburst to facilitate rescue operations.
- Dhawan Kumar Rawat, DFO, Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh
- Gurharsh Singh, DCF, Rampur, Himachal Pradesh
Best Use of Technology
Recognised for using AI-based surveillance and early-warning systems to protect elephants near a vulnerable railway stretch, as well as digital booking, CCTV surveillance, and GPS tracking.
- N. Jayaraj, Wildlife Warden, Hosur, Tamil Nadu
- Ramsundar M., Director, Rajgir Zoo Safari, Bihar
Special Jury Award
Recognised for restoring Tal Chhapar grassland and improving habitat for blackbucks and chinkaras, and for a campaign that removed 239 illegal guns from the landscape while strengthening elephant protection.
- Ms Savita Dahiya, DCF, Barmer, Rajasthan
- Ms K. Karthikeyani, DFO, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Special Projects Recognition
The Special Projects Award recognised Project Elephant and the Great Indian Bustard conservation project in Rajasthan for their significant contributions to species and habitat conservation.
On the occasion of the Eco Warrior Awards, the conclave also featured three panel discussions on emerging and critical issues in environmental governance and conservation.
- AI & Technology for Conservation and Natural Resources Management;
- Role of Corporates in Forest Management;
- Sustainable Development & Environmental Ethics.
The discussions brought together experts and stakeholders to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges of using technology, corporate participation, and sustainable development approaches to strengthen conservation outcomes.
The event also included a photography exhibition showcasing nature photographs captured by civil servants from across India.
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