Environment Ministry to give away 'Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Awards'

New Delhi, Nov 19 (ANI): The Ministry of Environment and Forests will give away 'Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Awards' 2010 on Friday to recognize the pioneering and innovative contribution made by individuals and institutions in the field of afforestation and wasteland development.

The Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Awards that were instituted in 1986 were given in 12 different categories till 2005 having two awardees each.

Since 2006, awards are given in four categories namely individuals including government servants, institutions and organizations under Government Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) and Non-Governmental Institutions/Organizations.

Only one award carrying a cash prize of Rs.2.5 lakhs along with medallion and citation are given for each category.

The Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Awards for States and Union Territories was introduced in the year 2008 in three categories and cash award along with medallion and citation is given in each of following categories.

Big States having geographical area of 80,000 Sq. Km. and above will get Rs 8.00 lakh, Small States having geographical area below 80,000 Sq. Km and Union Territories, both will get Rs 5.00 lakh each.

The awards are given in the field of afforestation and wasteland development and assessed on the basis of criteria like replicability, innovativeness and creativity, setting up of grassroot level organizations, soil and moisture conservation work and other related activities, target groups like women and weaker sections of society, people in inaccessible and remote areas, work being done over and above the call of duty and involving personal courage, tangible impact in relation to resources mobilized, educative and awareness creating values.

The Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Awards for States and Union Territories are presented on the basis of percentage increase in the forest and tree cover to the geographical area of the state on the basis of India State of Forest Report published by Forest Survey of India, Dehradun.

As the State Forest Report is published every two years, these awards are also presented once in two years. (ANI)