Karnataka Salutes Its Green Crusaders: Prof Krishna Raj Among Top Honourees
State honours exceptional contributions to ecological conservation; Prof. Krishna Raj among winners of the Karnataka State Environment Awards 2024–25 for pioneering work in environmental economics and policy.
Chetan R @ vēritās news desk 
Bengaluru, June 5, 2025. As part of its green tradition and unwavering commitment to sustainable development, the Karnataka government has announced the recipients of the State Environment Awards 2024–25, recognising individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Among this year’s distinguished awardees is Prof. Krishna Raj, an eminent academic and green policy advisor whose tireless work over two decades in conservation and environmental economics has significantly influenced both public policy and public consciousness. Prof. Krishna Raj currently serves as Professor at the Centre for Economic Studies and Policy (CESP), Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru.
The awards, instituted by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Government of Karnataka, celebrate efforts across domains including research, field implementation, public awareness, and sustainable development innovation.
Other awardees in the South Zone include ELCITA (Electronics City Industrial Township Authority) for sustainable urban infrastructure. Renowned individuals and organisations honoured include C.M. Venkatesh (Chamarajanagar), Ekalavya Jal Jeevan Foundation (Hassan), Prakash Gowda H.K. (Dharwad), and Mataji Seva Samsthe (Bidar district).
Instituted to recognise contributions across different regions of Karnataka, the State Environment Awards celebrate changemakers working to protect and rejuvenate the state’s rich ecological heritage. The award recognises exemplary efforts in environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development.
A Lifetime of Green Advocacy: Prof. Krishna Raj’s Impact
A respected academic and policy advisor, Prof. Krishna Raj is known for his profound contributions to environmental economics, sustainable development, and natural resource management. His research has shaped policies on water conservation, land use, and urban green cover, and he continues to mentor young researchers in ecological economics. His award reflects a lifetime of scholarly and on-ground impact in preserving Karnataka’s natural resources.
His journey began with a doctoral thesis titled “Forests, Environment and Local Community: A Case Study of Coorg District,” laying the foundation for a career dedicated to ecological sustainability.
In more than two decades of green initiatives, Prof. Krishna Raj has:
· * Authored influential works on water security, green GDP, air pollution, biodiversity, and traffic congestion.
· *Trained Central and State Pollution Control Board officials on environmental compensation.
· * Played pivotal roles in expert committees for the State Climate Action Plan, Tunga River revitalisation, Wetland Conservation, and the Bengaluru Climate Action Plan 2025.
· * Served as National Economist in the Karnataka River Basin Planning initiative.
· * Advocated innovative policy tools such as “Climate Budgets” and “Congestion Tax” in Bengaluru.
· * Critical research on the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project.
* Was part of NGT Expert
His work includes on traffic congestion in Bengaluru, urban air pollution, financing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and efficiency of water supply and demand management - a comparative study of New York and Bengaluru.
Beyond academia, Prof. Krishna Raj is a revered public intellectual. He regularly contributes columns to leading newspapers, appears in television discussions, and engages with students and civil society. His efforts reflect a rare combination of grassroots activism, institutional research, and visionary policy-making.
A Green Future for Karnataka
Speaking on the awards, a senior official remarked, “Recognising individuals like Prof. Krishna Raj is vital in encouraging a culture of environmental responsibility and evidence-based policy. These awards are more than accolades—they are a call to action for a sustainable Karnataka.”
As Karnataka continues to confront complex ecological challenges, the recognition of committed environmental leaders sends a powerful message: Sustainable development is not just a vision—it is a responsibility. And with champions like Prof. Krishna Raj leading the way, that future looks decidedly greener.
