Assam’s wildlife conservationist, Dr. Purnima Devi Barman has been conferred the Whitley Gold Award for this year. The award has been given to Ms. Barman for her incredible efforts for the conservation of Greater Adjutant Stork, locally known as Hargila. She mobilized local men and women known as Hargila Army at Kamrup district in her conservation efforts. Kamrup district has the highest number of hargila in the world. In a social media post, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal congratulated her on winning the Whitley Gold Award also known as the Green Oscar. She is in London now to receive the award.