Chhattisgarh forest guard honoured with NTCA Excellence Award for anti-poaching work
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Forest Guard Rakesh Markandey, posted at the Ondh Beat under the Kulhadighat Range of the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, has been honoured with the prestigious NTCA Excellence Award 2026 for his outstanding contribution to Wildlife Protection and Anti-Poaching operations. The award was presented in New Delhi during the Global Tiger Day celebrations.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, selected Markandey in the “Wildlife Protection and Anti-Poaching Activities” category after a national-level evaluation of nominations received from Tiger Reserves across the country.
Serving in the ecologically sensitive Chhattisgarh-Odisha Border region, Rakesh Markandey has played a crucial role in strengthening wildlife conservation. One of his major achievements was participating in the removal of illegal encroachments, leading to the recovery of more than 635 Hectares of forest land and helping restore critical wildlife habitats.
As a member of the reserve’s specialised Anti-Poaching Team, he took part in several operations against wildlife offenders, gathered intelligence on forest crimes, conducted regular patrols, and monitored wildlife movement in vulnerable interstate border areas.
He also used modern surveillance tools, including Drone Technology and Remote Monitoring Systems, to improve habitat monitoring and detect illegal activities inside the tiger reserve.
The NTCA Excellence Award recognises frontline forest personnel who demonstrate exceptional dedication, courage, and commitment to wildlife conservation while working under challenging field conditions.
Congratulating Rakesh Markandey on the national honour, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department said the award reflects the dedication of the state’s frontline forest staff and will inspire personnel engaged in wildlife conservation and forest protection across Chhattisgarh.
