Trainee officers of the Chhattisgarh State Forest Service 2023 batch paid a courtesy call on Governor Shri Ramen Deka at Lok Bhavan today. On this occasion, the Governor congratulated all the officers on their new responsibilities and said that the role of forest officers is extremely important in tackling global challenges like environmental protection and climate change.
The Governor stated that climate change is one of the world’s most pressing problems today. Forest officials have access to laws, resources, and authority, which, if effectively utilized, can significantly contribute to environmental protection and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. He added that excessive interference with nature increases the risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and droughts. Therefore, maintaining environmental balance is the need of the hour.
He said that establishing a balance between humans, animals, and nature is the foundation of sustainable development. The Governor highlighted the importance of sand, saying it is an essential mineral for building infrastructure. He urged officials to conduct research and innovation in this direction, devising measures that ensure continuous flow of water in rivers, increase their capacity, prevent environmental damage, and ensure the availability of sand in the required quantities. The Governor urged forest officials to cultivate a passion for forests, as this would help them better understand them and enable them to perform their duties effectively.
Emphasizing the need to promote tree planting, the Governor said the “One Tree for Mother” campaign should be implemented seriously. He pointed out that in many places, concrete enclosures are built around trees, hindering their growth and preventing rainwater from properly recharging the groundwater table. Such cases should be identified and necessary action taken.
He told the officers that the job of forest officials is not to sit in the office, but rather to travel the forests, understand the problems of forest dwellers, and devise innovative measures for the conservation and development of forests. He urged the officers to also pursue a life of service, whether it involves environmental protection, cleanliness, or human service.
On this occasion, Secretary to the Governor Dr. C.R. Prasanna, Deputy Secretary Nidhi Sahu and trainee officers of Chhattisgarh State Forest Service 2023 batch were present.