Prabhat Kumar, Dumka
Setting a benchmark in ecological governance, the Dumka Forest Division has added a national feather to its cap by winning the Excellence in Water Management Award at the 3rd National Sustainable Agriculture Summit and Awards 2026 in New Delhi.
The prestigious honor acknowledges the division’s pioneering efforts in harmonizing water conservation, forest protection, and sustainable rural livelihoods. Leveraging various initiatives of the Government of India and the Jharkhand Forest Department, the division meticulously executed large-scale afforestation drives alongside critical soil and water conservation works. Ground-level interventions such as check dams, gabion structures, and contour trenches have drastically improved groundwater table recharge, curbed soil erosion, and enriched local biodiversity.
Crucially, the conservation model went beyond environmental protection to address rural economic resilience. By integrating sustainable forestry with alternative livelihood opportunities like poultry and duck rearing, the division fostered an inclusive growth framework. This symbiotic approach—merging water security, ecological preservation, and active community participation—has provided a stellar blueprint for sustainable agriculture and resource management in the region.
