Nisarga Mitra award not given since 2010

AMRAVATI: To encourage people who have done inspiring work in the field of environment conservation, Amravati Municipal Corporation (AMC) had started Nisarga Mitra award in 2010 but it was the first and the last time when environment lovers got their due for good work from AMC.
When the award was constituted, environmentalists had lauded the AMC for taking an initiative for promoting environment conservation.Sources said that it was decided to felicitate environment lovers on Environment Day. On June 25, 2010, AMC felicitated three persons with Nisarga Mitra award to mark Sant Tukaram Maharaj Harit Abhiyan. The first award comprised Rs15,000 cash, memento and a certificate. The second award comprised Rs10,000 cash, memento and certificate while the third awardee got Rs5,000 cash, memento and certificate.
Madhu Gharad from NGO Vanrai and member of Tree Authority of AMC, told TOI that even after repeated appeals to declare names of eligible people for the award, officials do not care for it. "AMC does not have a permanent post to conduct environment related work; the veterinary doctor has been given the charge of environment officer. I have requested officials to hand over work pertaining to Nisarga Mitra award to the tree authority, but in vain," he said.
When contacted, municipal commissioner N Nawin Sona said he will look into the matter.