Bhubaneswar: To recognize significant contributions to forest development, wildlife conservation, and environmental protection, the Odisha government has restructured its award system to further encourage field staff and the public.
According to an official press release, the announcement was made by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the Van Mahotsav Week celebrations at BM High School in Old Bhubaneswar. The new award structure is effective immediately.
During the event, the Chief Minister’s State-Level Award for Forest Protection and Conservation for the current year was jointly conferred on the Tulangpadar Forest Protection Committee of Kalahandi and the Pahadpur Forest Protection Committee of Karanjia Forest Division. Both committees received a combined prize of ₹4 lakh along with certificates.
The Tulangpadar Forest Protection Committee, under Kalahandi North Forest Division, successfully restored 50 hectares of degraded forest in Bazarigad through afforestation efforts. Their initiatives ensured no forest fire incidents occurred in the area over the past three years. Similarly, the Pahadpur Forest Protection Committee under Karanjia Forest Division has protected 159 hectares of Budhipat forest through regular patrolling, preventing any forest fire incidents in the last five years. Their efforts have also significantly reduced human-elephant conflicts in the region.
In his address, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the goal of creating a “Green Odisha” by 2036 under the Vision Odisha program. He highlighted plans to generate 10 lakh green livelihoods through community-led forest initiatives and to establish Odisha as a model for eco-tourism. To support tribal communities, over 100 processing centers for sal, tamarind, bamboo, and medicinal plants will be set up, aiming to generate over ₹5,000 crore in revenue.
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister noted that last year’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign led to the planting of 6.69 crore saplings, ranking Odisha fourth nationally. For 2025, the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign targets planting 7.5 crore saplings. Additionally, 19 lakh palm trees were planted last year to mitigate lightning risks, with a goal of planting 18 lakh more this year.
The government has also introduced an AI-based forest fire detection system in areas like Similipal, which has been granted National Park status. A ₹50 crore initiative has been launched to conserve wildlife and flora in Similipal. Compensation for human-wildlife conflicts has been increased, with ex-gratia for loss of life raised from ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh, and other damages also receiving enhanced compensation.
Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia stated that the theme of Van Mahotsav 2025, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (“One Tree in the Name of Mother”), encourages dedicating tree-planting efforts to mothers. He emphasized forests’ multifaceted benefits, including climate regulation, water purification, biodiversity conservation, and providing resources like timber and food.
The event was attended by Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Environment Satyabrata Sahu, and others. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Suresh Pant delivered the welcome address, while BM High School Principal Sitakanta Mahanty proposed the vote of thanks.
Restructured Awards
The state government has restructured awards given during World Forestry Day (March 21), World Environment Day (June 5), Van Mahotsav Week (July), and Wildlife Week (October) to promote greater participation in environmental conservation. The number and prize money for several awards have been increased, effective immediately.
World Forestry Day (March 21)
State Forest Award for Field Staff: Awarded to 4 Forest Rangers, 12 Foresters, and 24 Forest Guards. Each recipient will receive a citation, medal, and ₹10,000.
Award for Afforestation Excellence: One educational institution per subdivision receives ₹10,000, and one Gram Panchayat per subdivision receives ₹20,000.
World Environment Day (June 5)
Prakruti Mitra Award: One village, educational institution, or registered organization per block receives ₹10,000 for notable environmental work.
Prakruti Bandhu Award: One individual per block receives ₹5,000 for raising environmental awareness.
Van Mahotsav Week (First Week of July)
Chief Minister’s Award for Forest Protection and Conservation: One Forest Protection Committee receives a state-level award of ₹4 lakh and a certificate. Additionally, one committee per subdivision receives ₹50,000 for outstanding work.
Wildlife Week (October)
Chief Minister’s Award for Wildlife Conservation: One individual or organization receives a state-level award of ₹4 lakh and a certificate. At the subdivision level, one recipient receives ₹25,000 and a certificate for notable contributions to wildlife and biodiversity conservation.
