Gorakhpur-born IAS officer Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu with the Best District (North East Zone) award at a ceremony held at Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday. What is heartening for this young IAS officer, currently posted as the District Magistrate of Sepahijala in Tripura, is that this is his third consecutive national honour for exemplary public service. Jaiswal said that this award would strengthen his resolve to serve society even better.
This Gorakhpur boy is virtually a native of Mundera Bazar in historic Chauri Chaura. Jaiswal’s pioneering work in water conservation, river rejuvenation, floodplain protection, and sustainable natural resource management for the district was recognised by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. The award was given for a coordinated action supported by strong community participation all across the district.
Jaiswal explained his modus operandi, saying his team worked hard to cope with the problem of the depletion of water streams, seasonal shortages, and the urgent need for floodplain conservation.
It was under his leadership that Sepahijala district achieved the rejuvenation of 30 km of riverbanks, including habitat restoration, plantation of native species, and construction of embankments along with retention basins designed to improve water storage and curb erosion. As a consequence, the district recorded a sharp rise in groundwater recharge, with about 42 water bodies being revived. Similarly, the Rudrasagar Ramsar Wetland (2.4 sq. km) underwent hydrological restoration, boosting biodiversity and strengthening eco-tourism potential.
Jaiswal, a former doctor in the Indian Army, had earlier received the President’s Award for Bhoomi Samman 2023 and the National Water Award 2023 for reforms in Dhalai district and the National Water Award 2024 in Sepahijala.
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