Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (IGPP)

In reverential memory of late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in the year 1987, instituted an award called the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar to give recognition to those having made or have the potential to make measurable and major impact in the protection of environment. In the beginning, one cash prize of ₹ 1,00,000/- was awarded to either an individual or an organization of India in recognition of their exceptional and outstanding contributions in the field of environment. Presently, the award comprises of two prizes of ₹ 5,00,000/- each under ‘Organization Category’ and three prizes of ₹ 5,00,000/-, ₹ 3,00,000/- and ₹ 2,00,000/- each under ‘Individual Category’. Along with the cash prize, each awardee is given a Silver Lotus Trophy, Scroll and Citation. The award is given annually and an advertisement inviting nominations for IGPP is released every year on 15th of July in national dailies with regional coverage.

As per the Regulations governing IGPP(123.56 kb)’, revised in 2010, any citizen of India having at least 10 years work experience in the field of Environment (substantiated in support of his experience by published/ field work)/ NGO working in the field of environment with at least five years experience/ Environment and Forests Departments of States/UTs/State Pollution Control Board/District Collector/Magistrate can propose a name of any citizen or organization of India who has at least five years working experience in the field of environment. There is no age limit for nomination of individual. However, self nominations and nominations proposed by relatives are not considered.

Shortlisting of nominations received for IGPP is carried out by three Expert Members, selected by the Prime Minister’s Office, out of a panel of 9 eminent environmentalists/ persons prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Selection of awardees out of the shortlisted nominations is done by the Environmental Prize Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Vice President of India.

While selecting the awardees the term “environment’ is interpreted in the broadest sense possible and comprising of following areas of work:

• Prevention of pollution
• Conservation of natural resources
• Rational use of depletable resources
• Environmental planning and management
• Environmental impact assessment
• Outstanding field work (innovative research work) for enrichment of environment e.g. afforestation, land reclamation, water treatment, air purification etc.
• Environmental education
• Creating awareness of environmental issues

Committees/ Commissions

The Environmental Prize Committee for the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (IGPP) has the following composition:<