India has once again marked its strong presence on the global stage in the field of environmental conservation. Senior IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, Supriya Sahu, has been honoured by the United Nations with one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards — the “Champions of the Earth Award.” This recognition not only acknowledges her individual contributions but also brings international recognition to India’s environmental vision, policies, and grassroots-level efforts.
At a time when the world is grappling with climate change, rising temperatures, depletion of natural resources, and severe environmental challenges, administrators like Supriya Sahu have emerged as powerful symbols of hope. Her work proves that when policies are implemented with integrity, scientific understanding, and community participation, meaningful and lasting change is possible.
Supriya Sahu : An Introduction
Supriya Sahu is a senior officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). She is currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, heading the department of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests.
Born on 27 July 1968, she joined the IAS in 1991. With more than three decades of administrative experience, she has played a pioneering role in environmental protection, forest expansion, coastal conservation, and climate action in Tamil Nadu and across India.
UN’s Highest Environmental Award – Champions of the Earth
What is this Award?
The Champions of the Earth Award is presented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
It is regarded as the highest and most prestigious environmental honour of the United Nations.
Introduced in 2005, the award has since been conferred upon global environmental leaders and institutions.
It recognises individuals whose work has created significant and measurable impact in protecting the environment.
The Champions of the Earth Award honours individuals, organisations, and leaders who have made exceptional and influential contributions to environmental conservation.
Category in Which Supriya Sahu Was Honoured
Supriya Sahu received the 2025 Champions of the Earth Award in the “Inspiration and Action” category.
This category recognises leaders who not only inspire others but also drive practical, large-scale environmental action through effective decision-making and implementation.
Key Environmental Initiatives and Projects
Supriya Sahu has led several large-scale and impactful environmental programmes in Tamil Nadu. Some of the most significant initiatives include:
Sustainable Cooling and Heat Resilience Initiatives
Under her leadership, the Cool Roof Project was launched, under which:
Government schools
Public buildings
Homes of economically weaker sections
were fitted with special reflective (white) roofing materials.
Impact of the Initiative:
Indoor temperatures reduced by 5–8°C
Significant reduction in electricity consumption
Decreased dependency on air conditioners and coolers
Financial relief for low-income households
Today, this initiative has become a model policy not only for India but also for several other hot-climate countries around the world.
Large-Scale Afforestation and Forest Expansion
Under Supriya Sahu’s leadership, Tamil Nadu achieved historic milestones in expanding green cover.
Key Achievements:
Over 100 million trees planted
Significant increase in overall forest cover
Declaration of multiple new Reserve Forests
Restoration of degraded and barren land
Trees play a crucial role not only by providing oxygen but also by:
Regulating temperature
Conserving water resources
Enhancing biodiversity
Her policies were designed keeping all these ecological benefits in focus.
Wetland and Mangrove Conservation
Supriya Sahu’s environmental vision extended beyond forests. She prioritised the conservation of wetlands and mangrove ecosystems.
The number of protected wetlands increased from 1 to nearly 20
Mangrove cover was almost doubled
Importance of Mangroves:
Act as natural shields against coastal storms
Provide habitats for marine life
Play a vital role in carbon absorption
These initiatives are especially important in combating climate change and rising sea levels.
War Against Plastic: Operation Blue Mountain
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges worldwide. Recognising its seriousness, Supriya Sahu launched Operation Blue Mountain.
Key Focus Areas:
Strict action against single-use plastic
Strengthening waste management systems
Protecting marine ecosystems
The initiative was inspired by disturbing instances of plastic waste found in the stomachs of animals, prompting decisive administrative action.
Wildlife Conservation and Endangered Species Protection
Wildlife conservation has been a major pillar of Supriya Sahu’s work. She played a key role in establishing the Endangered Species Conservation Fund.
A fund of approximately USD 60 million
Protection of rare and endangered species
Conservation of natural habitats
This initiative helped stabilise biodiversity and reduced the risk of species extinction.
Creation of Over 2.5 Million Green Jobs
One of Supriya Sahu’s most significant achievements has been linking environmental protection with employment generation.
Outcomes:
Over 2.5 million green jobs created
Employment opportunities for local communities
Strengthening of rural economies
These jobs include work related to:
Afforestation
Forest maintenance
Water conservation
Waste management
Why Did the UN Honour Supriya Sahu?
The United Nations recognised her for her exceptional leadership and long-term environmental contributions, including:
Sustainable Cooling Solutions to combat rising temperatures
Ecosystem Restoration, including forests and wetlands
Creation of Green Jobs in the environmental sector
Community-Based Conservation, empowering people at the grassroots level
Significance of This Honour for India
Global Leadership: The award highlights India’s growing leadership in global environmental action.
State-Level Impact: It proves that effective climate solutions are possible at the state level.
Inspiration for Communities: It motivates rural communities, urban citizens, and youth to engage in environmental action.
Sustainable Development: Environmental protection directly improves quality of life and long-term sustainability.
An Example of Inspiration: Doon Defence Dreamers
Just as Supriya Sahu represents inspirational leadership in environmental governance, Doon Defence Dreamers, widely recognised as the best NDA coaching in Dehradun, plays a vital role in nurturing leadership, discipline, patriotism, and responsibility among India’s youth. The institution goes beyond academic preparation, instilling a strong sense of service towards the armed forces, national security, and society.
For instance, in NDA/NA (II) 2025, the academy achieved 710+ written selections, and in the NDA 155 SSB interviews, it secured 35 final recommendations, including 6 female candidates.
This success demonstrates that structured guidance and disciplined training not only shape individual careers but also produce capable, responsible, and inspirational leaders for the nation. Just as Supriya Sahu has contributed to environmental protection and national interest, Doon Defence Dreamers motivates young aspirants to overcome failures, work with determination, and strive for excellence. Such efforts contribute positively to national security, society, and sustainable development.
Conclusion
Supriya Sahu’s recognition is not just a personal achievement — it is a global acknowledgment of India’s commitment to environmental protection, climate action, and a sustainable future. Her journey, work ethic, community-driven approach, and science-based policies teach us that environmental conservation requires not just policies, but action and collective participation.
Her achievements prove that small efforts, when aligned with a larger vision, can create change on a global scale.
