TNI Bureau: Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo (MSCB) University, Baripada has selected noted environmental activist Bibekananda Pattnaik for the prestigious Bhoomi Gaurav Samman 2025-26. The award will be presented on July 13 in recognition of his contribution to Similipal conservation, forest protection and natural resource management.
A former Honorary Wildlife Warden, Bibekananda has been working for the conservation of forests and wildlife in the Similipal region of Mayurbhanj for more than 30 years. He has led several environmental awareness and community conservation initiatives across Odisha.
His major initiatives include the Community Forest Protection Movement across 750 villages, the Plastic-Free Similipal Campaign, the Jungle Rakshya Bandhan awareness movement, and efforts that led to the surrender of illegal firearms inside Similipal.
He has also been involved in environmental legal actions, including cases related to quartzite mining near Similipal and illegal sand mining before the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
In 2025, Bibekananda launched the Ama Similipal Amara campaign and the Gajabandhu Programme to promote forest conservation and human-elephant coexistence.
The award recognises his long-standing efforts to protect forests, wildlife and the environment in the Similipal landscape, one of Odisha’s most important biodiversity regions.
 University, Baripada has selected noted environmental activist Bibekananda Pattnaik for the prestigious Bhoomi Gaurav Samman 2025-26.){kind=link}