“I salute the bravery of forest personnel working day & night to protect Forests, Wildlife and the Environment”: LG

JAMMU, MARCH 3(HS): Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today paid homage to all the martyrs of the Forest Department who have laid down their lives and made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. “I salute the bravery of forest personnel working day and night to protect Forests, Wildlife and the Environment”, said the Lt Governor. The Lt Governor was speaking at the Passing out Ceremony of the Forest Guards of 32nd, 56th, and 66th Course here at Convention Centre. The ceremony started with the Guard of Honour to the Lt Governor by the personnel of the Forest Protection Force, J&K. To mark the occasion, the Lt Governor planted saplings of Rudraksh in the premises of Convention Centre. During his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the 98 pass-outs and exhorted them to discharge the noble responsibility of conserving natural resources and biodiversity with utmost zeal and dedication. Emphasizing on extending J&K’s green cover, the Lt Governor called for development of Eco Parks across J&K and establishing more Bal Vans, and green areas specifically for the Senior Citizens, besides comprehensive plan for the conservation of ecology in and around Mansar-Surinsar lakes and protection of wetlands and wastelands. He also asked the department to focus on Hangul conservation and explore the possibility of making the Dachigam as a more accessible local destination. Highlighting the role of forest frontline staff in protection and conservation of forests and the biodiversity, the Lt Governor said that Forest Guards are no less than soldiers of our Defence and Police forces. He asked the department to organize programmes on 11th September-Forest Martyr’s Day every year to mark the efforts of frontline staff and pay tribute to their valour and sacrifices. While addressing the passing out Forest Guards, the Lt Governor asked them to work closely with the people, in villages and in urban areas and be an agent of government to bring improvement in their livelihood. “Serving for the cause of Forest is a very noble profession as you serve nature to serve humankind. As a frontline staff and first line on the call of duty, your challenges are immense. You have to protect the forests from encroachers, smugglers, poachers and forest fires. You will be entrusted with the responsibility of conserving renewable natural resources and biodiversity, Lt Governor told the Forest Guards. The Lt Governor observed that with more than half of the area of Jammu and Kashmir under forest and tree cover, the lives of people are closely linked to the forests who expect timely delivery of services such as firewood, fodder and timber. He advised the Forest Guards to prioritize the maintenance of efficiency and transparency while discharging their duties, besides taking care of Wood Based Industries which provide employment as well as contribute to the UT’s economy.