Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department today observed the ‘National Forest Martyrs Day’ to pay homage to the brave forest officers and frontline staff who laid down their lives while protecting the forest wealth in Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior forest officers, regional heads of allied wings and frontline staff offered floral tribute and prayers to the martyrs at Forest Memorial located at Shankaracharya forests, Srinagar to mark their respects.
The J&K Forest Department commemorates 11th of September to pay tribute to the bravery of its fallen members. In J&K, around 100 forest officers/officials have laid their lives for the protection of the rich forest wealth of the Union Territory.
Forest Department organized various events in all the Forest Divisions of UT to honor the forest martyrs. Ceremonies included wreath-laying, tributes, and speeches from officials, educational programs and workshops were also conducted to engage the community in forest conservation.
Speaking on the occasion, B.K. Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and HoFF highlighted the importance of the day and exhorted the officers to face the emerging challenges with all foresightedness and dedication. He spoke in detail about the need for the protection of forests and their future role given increasing pressures – urbanization, development, rise in population, and the changing climate. This third pillar of survival requires not only devotion of ours but society in all.
He said forest personnel encounter numerous threats, including poaching, illegal logging, encroachment and forest fires while climate change and environmental degradation further exacerbate their challenges. Despite these difficulties, they remain dedicated to preserving forest ecosystems. He further said that Community participation is crucial in the efforts to protect forests and wildlife.
PCCF & HoFF said that the observance of Forest Martyrs Day serves as a call to action for better protection measures and enhanced training and resources for forest personnel are necessary for their safety. It is the Day for re-dedicating ourselves to the core cause of ecological security of J&K.
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