New Delhi: Recognising the dedication of forest and wildlife officers working on the frontlines of environmental conservation, former Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and retired 1988-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Bharat Lal described the present period as one of the “finest” phases for the environment, forests and climate change sector.
Speaking at the 4th Eco Warrior Awards 2026, Lal said the visible progress made in the environment and forestry sector over the past 10–13 years had created an important opportunity for officers to take their work to the next level.
The awards ceremony celebrated exemplary contributions to environmental conservation, with senior IFS officer B. K. Singh receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, while 15 forest officers were honoured for their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation, wildlife protection and forest management.
Addressing the gathering of senior forest officers, awardees and members of the forestry fraternity, Lal congratulated the recipients and described them as “role models” whose work demonstrated how meaningful change can be achieved despite the many challenges associated with conservation.
Awardees Called Role Models for the Forestry Fraternity
Mr Lal began by congratulating the awardees for their achievements and the example they had set through their work.
He said recognition at an event such as the Eco Warrior Awards was not merely about celebrating individual accomplishments but also about acknowledging officers who had demonstrated commitment in challenging circumstances.
Calling the awardees role models for the forestry and wildlife community, he wished them continued success and said their achievements should encourage others working in the sector.
According to Lal, the work of these officers demonstrates the importance of taking initiative, responding to challenges on the ground and creating solutions that can have a wider impact.
‘One of the Finest Periods for Environment, Forests and Climate Change’
Ex-IFS Lal’s central message at the event was that the forestry and environment sector is currently witnessing a period of significant opportunity.
Reflecting on developments over the past 13 years, he said the sector had benefited from strong leadership and that the results were increasingly visible.
“I think this is one of the finest periods for environment, forest, climate change,” Mr Lal said, pointing to the kind of leadership and results witnessed over the last 13 years.
He urged officers to recognise the importance of the present moment and make full use of the opportunities available to the environment, forest and wildlife sector.
His appeal was particularly directed towards officers working in the field, who he said should not allow the opportunity to pass.
Young Officers Urged to Seize the Opportunity
Mr Lal specifically called upon younger IFS and forest and wildlife officers to build on the progress already achieved.
He emphasised that the support available to the sector provides officers with an opportunity to undertake ambitious conservation initiatives and strengthen the impact of their work.
He also referred to the support being received from the country’s top leadership and highlighted what he described as strong support from the Prime Minister and the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
For younger officers entering leadership and field positions, he said the task now should be to take the achievements of the previous decade or more to the next level.
“Let’s take it to the next level,” he urged younger officers.
The message was particularly relevant to officers working in forests, protected areas and wildlife landscapes, where conservation outcomes often depend on sustained field-level action, coordination and innovation.
Awards Bring Responsibility, Not Just Recognition
While celebrating the achievements of the awardees, Lal also highlighted what he described as an additional responsibility that comes with recognition.
He urged every award recipient to become a mentor for younger officers.
According to him, individual achievements have their own significance, but their larger value emerges when the experience and knowledge gained through years of service are passed on to the next generation.
“It’s your and my individual achievement, it has its meaning. But I think we can spread this thing if we start mentoring youngsters,” he said.
He recalled how many officers currently serving in senior positions had themselves been inspired and guided by their seniors when they were beginning their careers.
The same cycle, he said, must continue.
‘Let’s Also Fulfil This Responsibility’
Ex-IFS Lal reminded the awardees that their recognition should become a source of inspiration for those following them.
Having received guidance from senior officers during their own careers, he said today’s awardees now have an opportunity to play the same role for younger members of the forestry fraternity.
The mentoring of young officers, he suggested, can help institutionalise the lessons learnt through years of field experience.
This, he said, would ensure that the impact of individual achievements extends beyond a single officer or a single conservation initiative.
In this sense, the Eco Warrior Awards were presented not only as a platform for recognising past achievements but also as a means of encouraging continued leadership within the forestry community.
Celebrating Field-Level Conservation Leadership
The awards also highlighted the importance of recognising conservation work undertaken beyond conventional administrative achievements.
Forest and wildlife officers frequently operate in complex environments involving human-wildlife interactions, habitat protection, biodiversity conservation, community participation and enforcement.
The Eco Warrior Awards provide a platform to bring such efforts into wider public attention and acknowledge officers whose initiatives can serve as examples for others.
For Mr Lal, this recognition also carries a larger message: successful conservation depends not only on policies and institutional support but also on individuals who translate those policies into meaningful action on the ground.
Appreciation for the Eco Warrior Awards
Mr Lal also thanked the Indian Forest Service Association, Indian Masterminds and Sharadji for initiating the awards.
He noted that the 2026 ceremony marked the fourth edition of the Eco Warrior Awards, expressing confidence that the initiative would continue in the years ahead.
He said such platforms are important because they recognise individuals who are making a difference while also creating an environment in which others are encouraged to follow their example.
The continuation of the awards, he suggested, could help create a larger culture of recognition, mentorship and professional inspiration within the forestry fraternity.
From Recognition to the Next Generation
The underlying theme of Mr Lal’s address was that conservation achievements should not end with recognition.
For the awardees, the honour represents both appreciation for work already undertaken and an opportunity to influence the next generation of officers.
His call for mentoring therefore became an important part of his message: those who have benefited from the guidance of senior colleagues should now pass that experience forward.
As India’s environmental challenges become increasingly complex, the ability of the forestry fraternity to share knowledge, encourage innovation and develop young leadership will remain important.
The 4th Eco Warrior Awards 2026, through its recognition of B. K. Singh with the Lifetime Achievement Award and 15 forest officers for exemplary contributions, thus served not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a reminder of the responsibility that accompanies leadership in conservation.
Mr Lal concluded by expressing gratitude to the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change for gracing the occasion and extending support to the forestry and environment sector.
His message to the awardees and younger officers was clear: recognition should become inspiration, opportunity should become action, and individual achievement should ultimately strengthen the larger conservation community.
