Bhopal, Sep 10 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh’s frontline forest staff and a community group from the state were honoured on Thursday for their contribution to wildlife conservation and management of human-wildlife conflict.
The first edition of the Machhli and Vanya Prani Mitra Awards, jointly instituted by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF) and WWF-India, were presented by MP Forest Development Corporation Chairman Ramniwas Rawat here.
The annual awards recognise individuals and groups for outstanding efforts in wildlife protection, conservation and mitigation of human-wildlife conflict. Nominations were facilitated by the state forest department.
Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in India, totaling around 77,073.44 square kilometres, according to an estimate.
The Machhli Award in the individual category was jointly conferred on Naveen Chandra Mishra, a permanent employee of Kanha Tiger Reserve, and Ranjeet Dhakad, a forest guard at Madhav Tiger Reserve.
Mishra was recognised for wildlife crime detection and disrupting poaching networks, while Dhakad was honoured for patrolling, tiger monitoring, wildlife rescue and emergency response.
Range Assistant Ranjana Nagar received the women’s award for her work in wildlife protection and community-based conservation, including anti-hunting operations, rescue work, prevention of forest encroachment and field patrolling.
The function was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Sameeta Rajora and renowned author and journalist Rasheed Kidwai.
The Machhli Award in the group category went to Range Forest Officer Pankaj Sharma, Deputy Range Officer Vipin Lakra and State Tiger Strike Force official Sandeep Kumar Touhel of Jabalpur for intelligence-led investigations into illegal hunting and trafficking of pangolins and tiger body parts. Their probes led to the arrest of several absconding and inter-state accused from Odisha, Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh and uncovered financial transactions linked to illegal wildlife trade.
The Vanya Prani Mitra Award was presented to the Eco-Development Committee of Mirchiwadi in the Ari Buffer Range of Pench Tiger Reserve, Seoni, for working with the forest staff to protect tiger habitats and wildlife corridors, reduce human-wildlife conflict and enhance community safety. Its efforts contributed to a significant reduction in human fatalities from human-wildlife conflict during 2025.
All awardees received cash prizes and certificates of appreciation, according to a statement from the organisers. PTI LAL NP
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