BANDIPORA: The annual passing out parade for the 69th and 70th batches of Forest Guards was held at Kashmir Forest Training School (KFTS), Chitternar Bandipora.
Commissioner Secretary Forests, Ecology and Environment, Sanjeev Verma was the chief guest on the occasion.
The event was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Mohit Gera, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, T Rabi Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Circle Sopore, Irfan Rasool Wani and senior officers from Department of Forests, civil administration, and Police.
The programme started with presentation of guard of honour to the chief guest followed by passing out parade by the trainees of 69th and 70th Forest Guard Training Course, contingent of Forest Protection Force, Army GoodWill School Bandipora, NCC and the Police Band of J&K Police.
Tawheed Ahmad Deva, Conservator of Forests Working Plan Circle delivered the welcome address while Riyaz Malik, Principal Kashmir Forest Training School, Chitternar Bandipora presented the course report.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Secretary congratulated the trainees for completing six months training successfully
He praised the frontline staff of Forest Department for their presence in field which creates a deterrence among forest offenders. He applauded the role of Forest Guards in providing ecological security to the forest resources.
He called for the effective management of forests with the active participation of PRIs and people. He asked the passed-out trainees to gear up for the protection of forests against hazards like forest fires, and encroachments so that the forest wealth is effectively protected.
He assured that all cadre-related issues of the Forest Department will be addressed in the coming months.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mohit Gera applauded the Principal, faculty, and supporting staff for successfully completing the training course. He said that the forest frontline staff plays an important role in meeting the objectives of the J&K Forest Department in forest protection and sustainable management.
He dwelt in detail about the changing and expanding role of forest frontline staff and highlighted the importance of PRIs and other grass root level institutions with which the FLS will be closely working. He also spoke on the specific role of FLS in the protection of forests and afforestation being undertaken by the department in various schemes. He highlighted the other initiatives of the department on the creation of livelihood, ecotourism, soil and water conservation and exhorted the passed-out officials to work with diligence and conviction in the field.
Dr. Mohit Gera talked about the proposals regarding the upgradation of Kashmir Forest Training School into UT Level Forest Academy and fund allocations for the same under the second phase of JICA.
The dignitaries also conferred awards to the best performing trainees of the 69th and 70th Forest Guards Training Course.
