MP: Two Forest Personnel from Shahdol Receive National 'Gaj Gaurav Award' for outstanding work in human-elephant conflict management, public safety and wildlife protection
Shahdol: It is a matter of pride for Shahdol district that two of its forest personnel have been honored with the 'Gaj Gaurav Award-2026' for their exemplary work in the fields of elephant conservation and human-elephant conflict management.
At an award ceremony held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, this national honor was presented to Samharuddin Baiga (then Forest Guard of Budhar Range) and Forest Guard Rakesh Baiga by the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh,Pawan Kalyan.
The Gaj Gaurav Award is conferred annually by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, on the occasion of World Elephant Day. This honor recognizes forest officials and staff who perform remarkable work at the field level regarding elephant conservation, effective management of human-elephant conflict, and ensuring the safety of elephants.
Round-the-clock surveillance and coordination with villagers
During the 2025-26 period, amidst the continuous movement and prolonged presence of elephant herds in the Budhar Range, both forest personnel worked tirelessly, prioritizing public safety and the safe passage of the elephants. They conducted round-the-clock surveillance and night patrols, continuously monitored elephant movements, and established coordination with local villagers.
Awareness campaigns were conducted alongside providing timely information to villagers regarding elephant movements. Assistance was provided to relocate families in elephant-affected and sensitive areas to safer locations when necessary.
Additionally, coordination was maintained with the Revenue Department to ensure the prompt provision of relief and compensation to affected families.
Pivotal role in mitigating human-elephant conflict
The proactive approach and constant field presence of both forest personnel played a crucial role in managing potential human-elephant conflicts during the elephants' movement. Their efforts ensured the safety of local residents while creating favorable conditions for the elephants to move forward safely. This helped foster peaceful coexistence between villagers and elephants.
A moment of pride for Shahdol
The recognition of these two forest personnel from Shahdol district, Madhya Pradesh, with the 'Gaj Gaurav Award-2026' is a matter of pride for both the district and the state. This national-level acknowledgment of the dedicated efforts made by the Forest Department's field staff—amidst the ever-increasing movement of elephants—serves to boost their morale and encourage their work.
Forest Guard Samharuddin Baiga is currently posted at the Shahdol Nursery Depot, while Forest Guard Rakesh Baiga serves in the Budhar Range. Upon receiving the award, both forest personnel expressed their happiness, stating that this achievement is the result of guidance from senior officials, cooperation from the departmental team, and sustained collective efforts at the field level.
Continuous efforts for elephant conservation
Elephant activity in the Shahdol division has increased over the past few years. Apart from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, herds of elephants are frequently spotted in various parts of the district, including the Bansagar backwater area. Elephant movement also occurs from the direction of Chhattisgarh via Anuppur.
In this context, the Forest Department is making continuous efforts to conserve elephants while ensuring the safety of human lives and property, raising awareness among villagers, and minimizing human-elephant conflict. The work of the two forest personnel honored with the 'Gaj Gaurav Award' stands as an inspiring example of these efforts.