Odisha Restructures Environmental Awards to Boost Forest and Wildlife Conservation

Bhubaneswar — In a major push to strengthen environmental protection, the Odisha government has revamped its award system to recognize exceptional contributions in forest development, wildlife conservation, and public participation. The new structure, announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during Van Mahotsav Week celebrations at BM High School, Old Bhubaneswar, is effective immediately.

At the event, the Chief Minister’s State-Level Award for Forest Protection and Conservation was jointly awarded to the Tulangpadar Forest Protection Committee (Kalahandi) and the Pahadpur Forest Protection Committee (Karanjia). The groups received a combined ₹4 lakh and certificates for their success in afforestation and wildfire prevention.

CM Majhi outlined Vision Odisha 2036, targeting a “Green Odisha” through the creation of 10 lakh green jobs, enhanced eco-tourism, and 100+ processing centers for forest-based products. He also launched Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0, aiming to plant 7.5 crore saplings in 2025.

Award categories for major environmental days—World Forestry Day, World Environment Day, Van Mahotsav, and Wildlife Week—have been expanded, with increased cash prizes and wider inclusion of forest staff, villages, and organizations.