THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, May 10: The Jharkhand Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department has launched the Jharkhand Forest Excellence Award, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at recognising outstanding contributions in forestry, wildlife conservation and community-based forest management. The award scheme will come into effect from 2026.
The concept and vision of the award have been developed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Sanjeev Kumar. The standard operating procedure (SOP) for the award was released on April 29.
Van Veer Award to Honour Bravery of Forest Guards
Speaking to The Jharkhand Story Network, HoFF Sanjeev Kumar said, “We have a category of award called Van Veer Award. It’s in recognition of exceptional acts of bravery and courage, putting life and honour at peril, for the sake of duty and responsibility.”
“Our forest guards have perilous moments which they handle with care and caution. Such men need to be honoured,” added the HoFF.
Forest officials often face dangerous situations during anti-smuggling operations involving illegal timber, stone and forest produce. Smugglers have reportedly threatened and abused forest guards while fleeing with tractor trolleys loaded with illegal consignments.
In 2025, nearly half a dozen forest guards were assaulted in Palamu under the Chhaterpur police station limits while attempting to stop the smuggling of stone and chips.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Officers With ‘Unblemished Career’
The department has also introduced a Lifetime Achievement Award for officers with an “unblemished career” and long-standing contributions to forestry and wildlife conservation. According to forest department sources, only one such award will be given each year.
The award structure will be cashless and will include a certificate, citation and memento or trophy.
Awards to Be Presented on Key Environmental Occasions
According to sources in the state forest department, the awards will be presented on occasions such as the International Day of Forests (March 21), Van Mahotsav, or Jharkhand Foundation Day.
Abua Prakriti Bandhu Award to Strengthen Community Participation
To encourage stronger ties with communities living in and around forests, the HoFF has announced the Abua Prakriti Bandhu Award.
Under this category, 10 awards will be given in each region to Joint Forest Management Committees, Eco Development Committees and similar community bodies. These committees must be registered with their respective forest divisions to become eligible for the award.
Nine Key Indicators for Selection
The Jharkhand Forest Excellence Award will be based on nine performance indicators, including:
- Forest and wildlife conservation
- Biodiversity enhancement
- Anti-poaching efforts
- Ecological restoration
- Human-wildlife conflict mitigation
- Forest fire prevention
- Removal of encroachment
- Community-based forest management
- Innovation in forestry
The award categories will cover non-gazetted office staff, frontline forest staff, foresters, range officers and other personnel.
Eight-Member Committee to Select Winners
An eight-member central selection committee headed by the Chairman of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board will select winners across various categories.
Divisional Forest Officer of Medininagar Forest Division, Satyam Kumar, welcomed the initiative.
“It’s all worth praise and appreciation. It will enthuse and motivate our field staff to work harder and harder. It’s a big way to recognise an outstanding workforce. The award will spur healthy competition among the staff and officers.”