Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday highlighted the crucial role of frontline forest personnel in protecting India’s forests and wildlife, saying they are the people who translate conservation policy into action on the ground.
Minister made the remarks while addressing the 4th Eco Warrior Awards and Eco Warrior Conclave, organised by the Indian Forest Service Association (IFSA) and Indian Masterminds in New Delhi. The event brought together senior forest officers, conservationists, policymakers, scientists, civil society representatives and industry representatives to recognise contributions to forest, wildlife and environmental conservation.
He said conservation had become increasingly complex, with forest officers required to manage entire ecological landscapes while balancing development, livelihoods, human aspirations and the needs of wildlife. He identified climate change, increasingly frequent and unpredictable extreme weather events, forest fires, water stress, habitat fragmentation and invasive species, along with growing pressure on land and natural resources, as emerging challenges, according to a press release from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Yadav called for a landscape approach that brings together forests, wildlife, agriculture, water, livelihoods and human settlements to address these challenges.
He took to X and posted: “Honoured India’s environmental champions at the 4th Eco Warrior Awards 2026 in New Delhi today. From beat guards and rangers to frontline forest personnel, they protect our forests, respond to fires and safeguard wildlife habitats—turning conservation policy into action on the ground. The Eco Warrior Awards recognise the dedication and service of those working on the frontlines of conservation, and acknowledge their important contribution to protecting India’s forests, wildlife and environment”.
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He said conservation was not merely a government responsibility but a national responsibility, and described the Forest Service as a service entrusted with the stewardship of India’s natural capital.
The Minister acknowledged the contribution of frontline forest personnel, including beat guards, rangers and other staff who patrol forests, respond to forest fires and protect wildlife habitats. He said their contribution must never be forgotten, as they are the people who convert conservation policy into conservation on the ground.
Yadav said the Eco Warrior Awards celebrate courage without publicity, service without applause and commitment without immediate rewards. He called for the awards to inspire many more people to work for India’s forests, wildlife and environment, said the press release.
During the awards ceremony, Yadav presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Brij Kishore Singh, a 1976-batch IFS officer of the Karnataka cadre, in recognition of his decades-long contribution to forest and wildlife conservation.
During his career, Singh played an important role in efforts to combat sandalwood smuggling and the activities of brigand Veerappan, besides contributing to forest protection and wildlife conservation in Karnataka. Also, 15 Forest Officers were honoured for exemplary contributions to Environmental Conservation.
Special Projects Recognition
The Special Projects Award recognised Project Elephant and the Great Indian Bustard conservation project in Rajasthan for their significant contributions to species and habitat conservation.
The Eco Warrior Conclave featured three panel discussions on emerging and critical issues in environmental governance and conservation: AI and technology for conservation and natural resources management; the role of corporates in forest management; and sustainable development and environmental ethics.
The event was attended by eminent personalities from the forestry and conservation sector, including Sushil Kumar Awasthi, DG (Forests) and Special Secretary, MoEFCC; Bharat Lal, former Secretary General, NHRC; Anita Karn, President, IFSA; Monalisa Dash, General Secretary, IFSA; and representatives of Indian Masterminds, among other distinguished guests.
-PIB inputs
