IAS Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal: The Dynamic Administrator Transforming Tripura’s Governance, Honored by President Murmu
In a moment of immense pride for both Tripura and Uttar Pradesh, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Best District Award (North East Zone) upon IAS officer Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal during a national ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This accolade marks his third consecutive national honor, underscoring his rising stature as a reform-driven bureaucrat whose leadership is rooted in evidence-based administration and developmental innovation.
Recognition for Sustainable Water Governance
Mr. Jaiswal, originally hailing from Mundera Bazar in Chauri Chaura, Gorakhpur, currently serves as the District Magistrate of Sepahijala, Tripura. He was recognized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti for spearheading transformative initiatives in water conservation, river rejuvenation, floodplain protection, and sustainable natural resource management. Officials emphasized that his success reflects seamless coordination between government departments and active community participation, making Sepahijala a model district for integrated water governance.
Pioneering River and Floodplain Rejuvenation
Speaking to the media, Mr. Jaiswal noted that the award would further strengthen the administration’s resolve to deliver efficient and resilient public service. He highlighted the district’s multi-dimensional strategy to combat depleting water streams, seasonal scarcity, and the urgent need to preserve natural floodplains.
Under his leadership, Sepahijala completed rejuvenation works along 30 kilometers of riverbanks, incorporating ecological restoration, plantation of native species, and construction of embankments and retention basins. These interventions enhanced groundwater recharge, reduced soil erosion, and improved agricultural stability, thereby boosting both climate resilience and rural livelihoods.
Reviving Water Bodies and Restoring Wetlands
Officials reported remarkable progress across Sepahijala’s water assets:
42 water bodies were revived.
The Rudrasagar Ramsar Wetland (2.4 sq. km) underwent hydrological restoration, cleaning, and de-weeding, supported by MGNREGA and 15th Finance Commission grants.
These efforts not only rejuvenated local biodiversity but also safeguarded fragile wetland ecosystems and expanded the district’s eco-tourism potential. Additionally, the district recorded a significant rise in groundwater recharge under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, demonstrating the impact of decentralized water conservation planning and structural interventions.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Before joining the civil services, Mr. Jaiswal served as a doctor in the Indian Army, where he earned the High Altitude Medal and the Sikkim Lily Medal for distinguished service in East Sikkim.
As an IAS officer of the 2016 batch, his career trajectory has been marked by consistent achievements:
President’s Bhoomi Samman Award (2023) for land reforms.
National Water Award (2023) for pioneering water conservation in Dhalai district.
National Water Award (2024) for Sepahijala, recognizing recharge structures, geo-tagging of water bodies, construction of check dams, and plantation of over 41 lakh bamboo saplings.
Leadership Beyond Infrastructure
Mr. Jaiswal’s administrative journey includes pivotal assignments such as:
Mission Director, National Health Mission during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner, Agartala Municipal Corporation.
Director, Social Welfare Department of Tripura.
One of his most impactful initiatives is Mission Sankalp, aimed at eradicating child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Sepahijala. Over 100 children have been rescued under this program, with sustained rehabilitation and educational support ensuring long-term empowerment.
The Administrator’s Distinctive Approach
Known for blending empathy with administrative precision, Mr. Jaiswal continues to prioritize human development, social equity, and sustainable resource management in every district he serves. His leadership style combines grassroots sensitivity with institutional rigor, making him one of the most promising young bureaucrats in India today.
Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal’s journey—from serving the nation in uniform to reshaping governance in Tripura—illustrates how visionary leadership, community engagement, and sustainable planning can redefine public administration. His recognition by President Murmu is not merely an award, but a testament to the transformative potential of committed governance.
