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Environmentalists P. Pechiyammal and Govindhammal received the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026, presented by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) Chairman.

About Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 

 The award honours an individual, company, or NGO that has contributed, directly or indirectly, to enhancing environmental protection and awareness, anywhere in the world.

Instituted by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)

  • The award is associated with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), founded by Dr. Swaminathan in 1988 in Chennai.

  • It was originally instituted in 1995 in honour of Dr. Swaminathan by the Rotary Club of Madras East (RCME), and the 2026 edition marks its 31st-plus year of recognising environmental work.

Environment Protection Award 2026

  • P. Pechiyammal from Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, was recognised for ghost gear collection — removing abandoned fishing nets, ropes, and plastic waste from the sea.

  • Govindhammal from Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, was honoured for promoting sustainable agriculture as a member of a Farmer Producer Company (FPC).

About Dr. M.S. Swaminathan

Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan (1925-2023) led the wheat and rice productivity breakthroughs of the 1960s, earning him the title "Father of India's Green Revolution".

Promoted the concept of the "Evergreen Revolution" — increasing agricultural productivity without ecological harm, integrating sustainability into farming systems.

Became the first-ever recipient of the World Food Prize in 1987, recognised as one of the highest honours in agriculture.

Founded the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in 1988 in Chennai, using his World Food Prize award money to establish it.

Received the Padma Shri (1967), Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971), Padma Bhushan (1972), Padma Vibhushan (1989), and the Bharat Ratna (2024), India's highest civilian award.

Source: THEHINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026, consider the following statements:

  1. The award was presented by the Chairman of the National Biodiversity Authority.

  2. Both the 2026 awardees were recognised for coastal mangrove afforestation work.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Statement 1: Correct. The awards were officially presented by Virendra Tiwari, the Chairman of the National Biodiversity Authority.

Statement 2: Incorrect. P. Pechiyammal was recognized for ghost gear (abandoned fishing nets) and ocean plastic collection from Ramanathapuram, while Govindhammal was honored for her work in sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in Villupuram. Neither was specifically cited for mangrove afforestation.