Excelsior Correspondent
BANDIPORA, Oct 25: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana today presided over passing-out parade of 152 newly trained forest guards from the 71st and 73rd batches of the Forest Training School (FTS).
MLA Bandipora, Nizam-ud-din Bhat; MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan; MLA Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Suresh Kumar Gupta; Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani; Conservator of Forests, North Circle Irfan Ali Shah; along with other Senior officers of the Forest and other allied Departments were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Minister commended the dedication, discipline and endurance demonstrated by the recruits during their training period. He exhorted upon them to dedicate themselves towards protection of forest resources of Jammu & Kashmir.
He lauded the frontline staff for their dedication towards conserving forest resources and urged the new recruits to stay alert against fires and encroachments to safeguard J&K’s green wealth.
He lauded the unwavering commitment of the forest personnel, describing them as the “frontline defenders” of Jammu and Kashmir’s invaluable forest wealth and biodiversity. “Our forests are not merely natural resources, they are lifelines that support water, climate stability, livelihoods and cultural identity. Safeguarding them is our moral and environmental responsibility,” he remarked.
Reaffirming the Omar Abdullah Government’s steadfast commitment to sustainable and people-centric governance, Rana highlighted a series of policy measures aimed at ensuring ecological security alongside social equity. He underscored ongoing reforms to empower tribal and forest-dependent communities through community forestry programs, green job initiatives and eco-friendly livelihood opportunities.
The Minister also felicitated the best-performing trainees of the 71st, 72nd and 73rd Forest Guard Training Courses, appreciating their dedication, discipline and commitment to protecting the region’s rich forest resources.
Later, Javed Rana also inaugurated a newly developed Forest Park and Eco-Restoration Site at Chandaji, Bandipora, an initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and revitalizing degraded land through eco-friendly restoration practices.
After inaugurating the Eco-park, Minister highlighted the innovative transformation of a former dumping ground into a vibrant green space, terming it a ‘win-win initiative in the fight against environmental degradation and climate change’.
He noted that the project exemplifies the Government’s commitment to responsible land management and circular use of natural resources.
The Minister emphasized that such initiatives not only contribute to ecological balance but also enhance the aesthetic and recreational value of the region.
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