GUWAHATI: During the ongoing Asian Rangers Forum in Guwahati, three women were awarded the Van Durga Conservation Awards for the outstanding achievements of women rangers in the field of forest protection and conservation.
The event, which spans from December 5 to 8, brought together 146 participants, including 35 women from 20 countries, along with representatives from local communities. Organised by the Assam Forest Department, Aaranyak, International Ranger Federation (IRF), Universal Ranger Support Alliance (URSA), and other NGO partners, this marks the first time the event is being held in Guwahati.
The award recipients, Heena Patel, Forest Range Officer from Gujarat; Merthilina Sangma, Forest Range Officer from Meghalaya; and Prem Kanwar Shaktawat, Assistant Forester from Rajasthan, were honoured for their exemplary contributions to transforming barren land into fertile agricultural terrain, preventing forest fires, rescuing over 500 wild animals, and supporting their husbands in the protection and conservation of forests and wildlife.
Patel's citation acknowledged her dedication to the conservation and protection of nature, citing her milestones in transforming barren land into fertile agricultural terrain and conducting rescue operations for various wildlife species.
Sangma's commendable contributions to the formation of Biodiversity Management Committees and livelihood generation projects, such as beekeeping and mushroom cultivation, were highlighted in her citation.
Shaktawat, a dedicated wildlife rescuer from Rajasthan, was praised for saving over 500 animals, including crocodiles, leopards, and snakes, while also apprehending poachers and demonstrating commitment to conservation.
The Van Durga Conservation Awards, presented by the Exploring Womanhood Foundation, founded by Deepali Deokar, also recognised the unwavering support of Dipika Vasishtha, the spouse of retired Divisional Forest Officer Girish Vasishtha, for her commendable efforts in managing various personal responsibilities. She received a special award for her unwavering support and resilience against all odds faced by her husband during his service in remote and inaccessible areas.
