In a proud moment for Tripura and Uttar Pradesh alike, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred the Best District (North East Zone) award on Mr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, an IAS officer from Gorakhpur, during a national ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This marks his third consecutive national honour for outstanding public service, reinforcing his growing reputation for developmental leadership and evidence-based administration.
Mr. Jaiswal, originally from Mundera Bazar in Chauri Chaura and currently serving as the District Magistrate of Sepahijala, Tripura, was recognised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti for transformative improvements in water conservation, river rejuvenation, floodplain protection and sustainable natural resource management. Officials noted that the achievement reflects a strong alignment between departmental coordination and community-led participation across the district.
District Pushes Boundaries of Water Rejuvenation Efforts
Speaking to the media, Mr. Jaiswal said the recognition would fuel further administrative commitment. He highlighted the district’s multi-pronged approach to addressing depleting water streams, seasonal scarcity and the increasing urgency of preserving natural floodplains. He added that the award strengthens the administration’s determination to serve the public with greater efficiency and resilience.
Under his stewardship, Sepahijala successfully completed rejuvenation works along 30 km of riverbanks. The initiative included ecological restoration, plantation of native species, and construction of embankments and retention basins capable of enhancing groundwater recharge and reducing erosion—improving both climate resilience and agricultural stability.
Water Bodies Revived and Wetlands Restored
Officials reported significant improvements across key water assets: 42 water bodies were revived and the Rudrasagar Ramsar Wetland (2.4 sq. km) underwent hydrological restoration, cleaning and de-weeding supported through MGNREGA and 15th Finance Commission grants. These interventions boosted local biodiversity, protected vulnerable wetland habitats and strengthened the region’s eco-tourism potential.
The district also recorded a notable increase in groundwater recharge under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, reflecting the impact of decentralised water conservation planning and structural interventions.
A Career of Consistent Excellence
Mr. Jaiswal, a former doctor in the Indian Army before joining the civil services, earlier received the President’s Award for Bhoomi Samman 2023 and the National Water Award 2023 for reforms implemented in Dhalai district. Under Sepahijala, he secured the National Water Award 2024 for constructing recharge structures, geo-tagging water bodies, building check dams and planting over 41 lakh bamboo saplings.
Who is Mr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal?
Mr. Jaiswal is a 2016-batch IAS officer currently serving as District Magistrate and Collector of Sepahijala district. Prior to the IAS, he served seven years in the Indian Army, receiving the High Altitude Medal and the Sikkim Lily Medal for service in East Sikkim.
His administrative career includes pivotal roles such as Mission Director of the National Health Mission during the COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner of the Agartala Municipal Corporation and Director of the Social Welfare Department of Tripura. One of his most influential initiatives is Mission Sankalp, designed to curb child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Sepahijala. Over 100 children have been rescued under this programme, with sustained rehabilitation and education efforts.
Known for blending empathy with administrative precision, Mr. Jaiswal continues to prioritise human development, social equity and sustainable resource management in every district he leads.
