DRFO Gururaj Gouda honoured for village relocation efforts

Hubballi: Gururaj S Gouda, a Deputy Range Forest Officer of Kali Tiger Reserve, has received the certification of appreciation from the National Tiger Conservation Authority for his role in voluntary village relocation.

The certification was presented by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Bhupendrer Yadav in New Delhi on Tuesday as part of the International Tiger Day celebrations.

This is for the third consecutive time that a frontline staff of Kali Tiger Reserve has received this award for voluntary village relocation. The central government has acknowledged the role of Gururaj in not just creating an inviolate space for wild animals but also his efforts of handholding the relocated families by facilitating them in land transfers, completion of documentation, and ensuring timely benefits to them. He was among the 11 foresters from across India to bag this award this year.

Gururaj is considered as the ‘Spiderman of Kali tiger reserve’ as he, over the years, has identified over 200 species of spiders in the ecologically sensitive areas of Western Ghats.

KTR Filed Director Nilesh Shinde said: “This award from the NTCA is a recognition of the spirit of teamwork and the deep connection our staff share with the forests they protect. It inspires us to continue working closely with local communities for a greener, safer future for our wildlife.”