Neri college honoured with National Paryavaran Champion Award 2026
Recognising its exemplary contributions to environmental conservation, ecological restoration and community engagement, the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, a constituent college of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, has been honoured with the prestigious Paryavaran Champion Award 2026.
The award acknowledges the college’s sustained efforts in promoting environmental stewardship through a series of impactful initiatives, including roadside plantation drives, Parthenium eradication campaigns, plastic waste collection and disposal programmes, cleaning of water tanks and natural water bodies, environmental awareness pledges among students, and the creation of fire lines to prevent forest fires and safeguard wildlife habitats. These activities have significantly contributed to environmental protection and sustainable development in the region.
The award was presented during a national programme jointly organised by the Namami Gange Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun. More than 100 nominations from across the country were received, out of which only nine institutions were selected following a rigorous evaluation process.
The honour was conferred by Padma Shri Kalyan Singh Rawat, a renowned environmentalist and founder of the Maiti Movement, and Padma Shri Madhuri Barthwal, an acclaimed folk singer and cultural ambassador of Uttarakhand. Dr Yashasvi Thakur, assistant professor of environmental science, received the award during the ceremony held at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.
The college earned national recognition for its outstanding work in environmental and water conservation, biodiversity protection and community awareness, further strengthening the university’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices and social responsibility.
Congratulating the college on this remarkable achievement, Vice-Chancellor Dr HS Baweja lauded the faculty, students and staff for their dedicated efforts towards environmental conservation. The Dean, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Dr DP Sharma, also extended his congratulations and appreciated the collective commitment of the college community in achieving this national recognition.
