On Saturday Padamshree Avdhash Kaushal was bestowed with Environment & Health Warrior Award on Individual Achievements – as an Academic and Activist. He received the prestigious award at Dr. Ambedkar Interntional Centre, Janpath, New Delhi by the known magazine Talaash.
Avdhash Kaushal and RLEK fought for justice against the indiscriminate mining in the Mussoorie area, famously known as the Limestone mining case. Kaushal’s initiatives led to the promulgation of Environment Protection Act, 1986. The Sahastradhara area which was deforested due to these mines, was regreened by Kaushal with the help of citizens, volunteers and school students. Avdhash Kaushal was also awarded Padamshree in 1986 for his efforts to save the environment and his work towards the tribal and marginalized communities of Uttarakhand.
Kaushal served as Professor at LBSNAA, Mussoorie and is currently running an NGO- Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK). Here students from India and abroad come and learn about the Environment Protection Act.
