THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, June 5: Kumar Ashish, Deputy Director of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), has been shortlisted for the prestigious SKOCH Award, which will be conferred on June 20 in New Delhi.
The SKOCH Award is regarded as one of India’s leading independent honours, recognising outstanding contributions in governance, development and social transformation. Ashish has been selected for his distinguished contribution to wildlife conservation.
Award to Be Presented at 108th SKOCH Summit
The honour will be conferred on Ashish during the 108th SKOCH Summit, scheduled to be held at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi.
An official communication regarding the award has been sent to Ashish by SKOCH Group Managing Director Deepak Dalal.
Recognition for Wildlife Conservation Initiative
Ashish has been shortlisted under the theme “Behavioural Transformation Through Cultural Integration for Wildlife Protection.”
The recognition is linked to a significant conservation initiative undertaken in October 2025, when villagers voluntarily surrendered 23 country-made guns, nine traps and several slingshots in support of wildlife conservation and protection efforts in the Palamu Tiger Reserve.
Ashish is widely regarded as a key driving force behind the initiative. The surrender of such weapons was seen as a major step towards reducing threats to wildlife in the reserve.
Sources said that even a large elephant was killed using a country-made firearm in the PTR around seven to eight years ago.
Wild boars and deer are among the species most vulnerable to poaching through the use of country-made guns in the reserve.
Ashish Credits Team Effort
Speaking to The Jharkhand Story Network, Ashish humbly attributed the recognition to collective efforts.
“It’s teamwork. This award is for all those saner elements who sincerely wish for the welfare of wildlife. I will strive harder to take along the common man in the conservation of wildlife,” he said.