Central Government Award for Forest Officer Naveen Who Lost His Life in the Line of Duty

The Central Government has recognised the dedicated service of Banothu Naveen, a forest beat officer from Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana, who lost his life while performing wildlife protection duties. He has been selected for a national-level award recognising outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation and anti-poaching efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change selected him in the ‘Frontline Staff – Protection and Anti-Poaching’ category as part of its initiative to honour forest personnel, local communities and organisations for their significant contributions to wildlife protection.

Naveen served as a forest beat officer in the Cheruvasingarama West Beat, Musalimadugu Section, under the Palvancha Range of the Telangana Forest Department. His field-level efforts to prevent wildlife poaching and protect animals have earned him this posthumous recognition. Forest Force Head Vinay Kumar described the award as a matter of honour for Naveen’s family and the Telangana Forest Department. He added that Naveen’s dedication and sacrifice would continue to inspire forest personnel committed to protecting forests and wildlife.