Eco Warrior Awards 2026: Bhupender Yadav Calls Conservation a National Responsibility
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav celebrates India's conservation heroes at the 4th Eco Warrior Awards, calling environmental protection a national duty.
In a powerful tribute to the guardians of India's natural heritage, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, addressed the 4th Edition of the Eco Warrior Awards in Delhi on Tuesday evening. Emphasizing that the protection of forests, wildlife, and biodiversity is a collective duty, the Minister declared that conservation is not just a government mandate but a national responsibility.
Forests as India's Ecological Infrastructure
Speaking at the prestigious event, Mr. Yadav highlighted the critical role that India's forests play as "ecological infrastructure." He noted that these vast green expanses are essential for regulating water cycles, moderating the climate, conserving soil, and supporting the livelihoods of millions. To address modern complexities, he advocated for a landscape-based approach—one that seamlessly integrates forests and wildlife with agriculture, water management, human settlements, and livelihoods.
The Minister pointed out that the task of conservation has become increasingly difficult due to several mounting pressures, including:
- Climate change and unpredictable extreme weather events.
- Frequent forest fires and water stress.
- Habitat fragmentation and the spread of invasive species.
- Growing human-wildlife conflicts and pressure on natural resources.
Honouring the Unsung Heroes
A significant portion of the Minister's address was dedicated to the frontline personnel who translate policy into real-world action. He lauded the courage of beat guards, rangers, and other forest officers who patrol dense terrains and battle forest fires. He also stressed that tribal and forest-dependent communities must be treated as active partners in the conservation journey rather than mere bystanders.
"The Eco Warrior Awards celebrate courage without publicity, service without applause, and commitment without immediate rewards," Mr. Yadav remarked, noting that these awards serve to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.
The 2026 Award Winners and Recognitions
The ceremony recognized exceptional contributions across eight distinct categories, including Protected Area Management, Wildlife Protection, and the Best Use of Technology. For the first time in the event's history, two winners were selected in each individual category following a rigorous evaluation of over 80 nominations nationwide.
Key highlights of the awards included:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to Brij Kishore Singh, a veteran 1976-batch Indian Forest Service officer. He was honored for his decades of service, including his legendary role in combating the sandalwood smuggler and brigand, Veerappan.
- Protected Area Management: Dr. Prakash Chand Gogineni, Conservator of Forests and In-charge Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve, was among the distinguished recipients.
Concluding his address, the Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is proving to the global community that economic development and environmental stewardship can move forward hand-in-hand.