19-08-2026 : Forest Officers Are Guardians of Natural Resources; Forest Conservation Is an Important Responsibility in National Service: Governor

Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note

Forest Officers Are Guardians of Natural Resources; Forest Conservation Is an Important Responsibility in National Service: Governor

Call for Giving New Direction to Forest Conservation Through Local Community Participation and Modern Technology

Lok Bhavan Dehradun 19 August, 2026

Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today addressed the probationers of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun. Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) and Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami were also present on the occasion. During his address, the Governor extended a warm welcome to the Vice President to Uttarakhand and said that his august presence and guidance were a source of inspiration for everyone.

The Governor called upon the young officers of the Indian Forest Service to work with the understanding that the conservation of forests and natural resources is an important responsibility in the service of the nation. He said that while a soldier on the border safeguards the country’s geographical boundaries, forest officers are the guardians of the nation’s natural resources. He said that climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters are serious challenges today. In such circumstances, the role of the Indian Forest Service has become even more important. Forests are not merely a collection of trees; they are sources of water, the foundation of life, and guardians of biodiversity.

Highlighting the important role of local communities in forest conservation, the Governor said it is essential to understand the experiences and traditional knowledge of communities that have shared a relationship with forests for generations. Non-timber forest products, medicinal plants, local products, eco-tourism, and small forest-based enterprises can help strengthen rural livelihoods. He said that when local communities are provided with dignified livelihood and development opportunities through forests, they themselves become the strongest guardians of forests.

The Governor also emphasized the maximum use of modern technology in forest administration. He said that artificial intelligence, drones, satellite technology, remote sensing, and data-driven decision-making can give a new direction to forest management. He called upon the officers to adopt new technologies, promote innovation, and explore new solutions to traditional challenges.

The Governor told the young officers that although their areas of work and circumstances may continue to change, their commitment to the nation should always remain unwavering. He said that officers should have a broad vision, scientific thinking, impartial decision-making, and a compassionate approach.

Director of the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Khajuria; Course Director Smt. Ajita Laungjam; along with senior Indian Forest Service officers and probationers were present at the programme.
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