Jaipur to Host ‘Machhli & Wildlife Mitra Awards 2026’: Celebrating Unsung Heroes of Conservation
Prestigious ceremony on March 23 to honour Rajasthan’s forest officers and volunteers for outstanding wildlife protection efforts
ananya
Ananya soch: The sixth edition of the Machhli & Wildlife Mitra Awards will be held on Monday, March 23, at ITC Rajputana Hotel, Jaipur. Organized jointly by Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF) and WWF-India, the annual awards aim to recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation and human-wildlife conflict management.
A Stage for Real Conservation Heroes
The awards will honour forest officials, field staff, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to protect wildlife and maintain ecological balance. Sandeep Bhutoria, Managing Trustee of PKF, emphasized that true conservation lies not just in policies but in the relentless efforts of individuals safeguarding natural heritage selflessly. He noted that the initiative seeks to spotlight “unsung heroes” whose courage and commitment help sustain harmony between humans and wildlife.
Inspiring Change Through Recognition
Dr. Dipankar Ghosh, Senior Director, Biodiversity Conservation at WWF-India, said the awards celebrate champions leading conservation efforts in Rajasthan. He added that the recognition will motivate forest department staff and local communities to continue protecting wildlife and habitats.
Arijit Banerjee, Head of Forest Force, Rajasthan, highlighted that such initiatives strengthen morale and inspire wider participation in conservation.
Awards, Jury & Wider Impact
Under the ‘Machhli’ category, a total of ₹2.5 lakh will be equally distributed among four winners, while ₹1.5 lakh under ‘Wildlife Mitra’ will be shared by three recipients. All winners will also receive certificates of appreciation.
The selection has been made by an esteemed jury including retired IFS officers Rahul Bhatnagar and Rajpal Singh, along with Yash Sethia of WWF-India.
Strengthening a Shared Vision
PKF has allocated nearly ₹10 lakh for awards across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh this year. The ceremony is expected to reinforce the message of coexistence and collective responsibility toward nature.
