JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmad Rana said that the Forest Protection Force is an indispensable unit for its wide range of conservation and protection activities. He commended the crucial role played by the JK Forest Protection Force (FPF) in protecting forest resources in J&K.
He spoke at the Forest Protection Sports Meet 2024, at Sports Stadium, Sidhra.
Highlighting the role of FPF in the protection of natural heritage, Rana said that it’s a very disciplined force and it is always at the forefront of wildlife and forest conservation activities. “It is a force to reckon with and they continue to put the welfare of ecosystems first. Their service is helping to protect the very ecosystems in whose sound health and well-being lies our future.”
Javed Rana, who was Chief Guest on the occasion said that the government is committed to invest sufficiently in the policies required for FPF to fulfill their current and future role in various activities.
The Minister said that we will make them more capable than ever before, to make further improvements in their roles and missions.
He also appreciated enthusiasm and teamwork among forest guardians. He said that it is heartening that FPF is excelling at national and international sports events.
Javed Rana also emphasised on the need for co-ordination at different levels to tide over the difficult times related to climate change. “We have to work together as a single unit to beat the climate crisis,” he said.
Later, the Minister also distributed prizes among the winners who excelled in various sports activities like football, volleyball, powerlifting, weightlifting, tug of war during the Sports Meet 2024.
Principal Secretary Forests, Shailendra Kumar while speaking on the occasion said that excellence in Sports events need rigorous and regular exercises. He said that all the units of the forest department have to be disciplined in every respect for better results related to the protection of our ecosystems.
Principal, Chief Conservator Forests, B K Singh said that Forest Protection Force plays a pivotal role in assisting the forest territorial staff to curb the menace of timber smuggling, forest fires and other allied activities.
Among others, who were present on the occasion include Chief Wildlife Warden, Sarvesh Rai, Secretary of Forest Ecology & Environment Pardeep Gupta and other senior officers.
