Hyderabad: The Telangana government introduced the Vana Samrakshana awards to recognise exceptional service by forest department personnel involved in forest protection, wildlife conservation and environmental preservation.
The government implemented the Telangana State Vana Samrakshana Meritorious Service Medals Rules–2026 during the launch of Van Mahotsavam 2026. The move followed a proposal from Forest and Environment Minister Konda Surekha. She had sought formal recognition for forest personnel who risk their lives while protecting forests and wildlife.
The new policy created four prestigious awards. These honours will recognise outstanding contributions to forest conservation and departmental service. Moreover, officials said the initiative would encourage dedication, professionalism and excellence among forest personnel across Telangana.
Vana Samrakshana awards include medals and cash incentives
Under the new framework, the government introduced four categories of awards. These are the Telangana Vana Samrakshana Medal, Telangana Uttama Vana Samrakshana Medal, Telangana Vishishta Vana Samrakshana Medal and the Chief Minister’s Vana Shaurya Medal.
Award recipients will receive medals, cash prizes and monthly incentives. In addition, the government fixed cash rewards for each category.
The Telangana Vana Samrakshana Medal carries a cash prize of ₹10,000. Similarly, the Uttama Vana Samrakshana Medal offers ₹15,000. The Vishishta Vana Samrakshana Medal carries ₹20,000. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s Vana Shaurya Medal includes a cash reward of ₹25,000. Selected personnel will also receive monthly financial incentives.
Vana Samrakshana awards to recognise exceptional service
The awards will honour personnel who excel in protecting forest lands and preventing encroachments. They will also recognise efforts to control forest offences and conserve wildlife.
In addition, officials will consider achievements in forest development programmes, nursery management and forest fire prevention. Furthermore, employees who effectively use GIS, MIS and research-based conservation methods will become eligible for recognition.
Konda Surekha said the awards would strengthen service motivation. She added that they would inspire employees to achieve higher standards in protecting Telangana’s forest wealth.
The Minister thanked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for approving the proposal. She said the government remains committed to employee welfare and environmental protection.
Moreover, she stated that the awards would generally be presented on Telangana Formation Day, observed on June 2. Alternatively, the government may confer them on other notified occasions.