Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department organized a Passing out Parade for the trainees of the 23rd Kashmir Foresters Training Course (KFTC) and the 59th Forest Guards Training Course (FGTC) at the Forest Guards Training School in Doomi, Akhnoor. Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, graced the event as the chief guest. The event was also attended by Roshan Jaggi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), BM Sharma, Director of JKFRI & Chief Conservator of Forests, Tawheed Ahmad Deva, Conservator of Forests, Working Plan Circle, and other senior officers of the department. The ceremony began with a wreath-laying at the Forest Martyrs' Memorial followed by a plantation ceremony by the Principal Secretary. This was followed by the Passing out Parade conducted by the trainees of the 23rd KFTC, the 59th FGTC, a contingent of the Forest Protection Force, and the Brass band of CRPF. In his speech, Principal Secretary Dheeraj Gupta emphasized the government's priority to protect forest land against encroachments and preserve the forest resources of the UT of J&K. He emphasized the importance of upgrading infrastructure for forest officials working as frontline staff to enhance their effectiveness. He commended the trainees for successfully completing their training courses and urged them to focus on preventing encroachment, guarding forests, utilizing technology in forestry, and working for the protection of Jammu & Kashmir's green wealth. Gupta called for active management of forests, non-timber forest produce, firewood, and fodder with the participation of PRIs and the public. He encouraged the trainees to prepare for protecting forests against hazards like forest fires, encroachments, and illegal damage. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests highlighted the essential role of frontline forest staff in achieving the objectives of the J&K Forest Department in forest protection and management. He discussed the specific responsibilities of foresters in forest protection and various afforestation schemes. He also outlined the department's initiatives in livelihood creation, ecotourism, soil and water conservation, and urged the trainees to work diligently in the field. During the ceremony, awards were presented to the best-performing trainees of both the 23rd KFTC and the 59th FGTC in academic performance, endurance runs, silviculture, and all-around excellence. |
