OCT 27:Forest Minister Javed Rana today presided over the passing-out parade of 152 newly trained forest guards belonging to the 71st and 73rd batches at the Forest Training School, Bandipora. The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s frontline forest protection force.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister commended the dedication and discipline of the recruits and praised the frontline forest staff for their relentless efforts in conserving the region’s rich biodiversity and natural resources. He emphasized that the newly inducted forest guards will serve as the first line of defense in protecting the Union Territory’s green wealth against threats such as forest fires, illegal felling, and land encroachments.
Rana urged the recruits to perform their duties with honesty, vigilance, and a spirit of public service, noting that the task of forest protection is not just administrative but also deeply connected with environmental balance and climate resilience.
Reaffirming the Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to sustainable and people-centric governance, the Minister stressed the importance of integrating local communities, especially tribal and forest-dependent groups, into forest management and livelihood initiatives. He highlighted that empowering these communities through skill development and equitable growth is key to achieving long-term ecological stability and inclusive development.
The Forest Minister also lauded the efforts of the Forest Training School for producing well-trained personnel capable of addressing modern conservation challenges. He assured continued government support in enhancing forest infrastructure, training facilities, and digital monitoring to strengthen the department’s efficiency.
The ceremony concluded with a pledge of service and integrity from the passing-out recruits, symbolizing a renewed commitment to preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s lush forests for future generations.
