Responsibility of Forest Dept to save human race: Awangbow
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, November 01 2021:
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Awangbow Newmai on Monday assured the officials of the Forest Department that he will discuss with the Chief Minister regarding the matter of giving annual meritorious award to outstanding officials of the department.
He gave the assurance while attending as chief guest of the 90th Foundation Day celebration of the Department held at its Headquarters, Sanjenthong.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister hailed the retired officials who had served the department since its inception in 1931.He said that as the department is seen in poor light by many people, it has a big responsibility to save the human race as it is nurturing the future of the state.
He also remarked on the general perception of the populace that he is one of the weakest ministers in the ruling government.
Opining that the department officers should be allowed to do their duty without any interruption, he said that many have no idea about the Forest Rules and Acts, also regarding the service which the department officers and staff are rendering to the people.
Acknowledging the tough situations faced by the officials while performing their duty, Awangbow advised them to go on the right path following the rules as they have a huge responsibility.
He also advised them to make people understand the various rules, Act and programmes of the department, while extending warm wishes of a happy home life to the glorious officers (veteran officers) and appealed to them to continue rendering their service at whatever capacity they could.
Forest and Head of Forest Force (PCCF and HoFF) principal chief conservator (PCC) Dr Aditya Kumar Joshi offered his tribute, remembering the retired officers of the department, including those who are no more alive for their glorious service.
He said that general the perception against foresters has changed nowadays due to the dedicated hard work of the officers and staff of the department.
Recollecting his three decades of service, Dr Aditya acknowledged the contributions and experiences of his senior officers.
He also wished a wonderful journey to the young officers of the department, which mainly comprise lady officers.
The PCC then acknowledged the contributions of the field staff and stated that they are the face of the department who deal with everything in the field.
He said that it is mainly because of the field staff that people are now realising importance of the department.
Stating that he is confident that the Forest Department will contin-ue the good work, he urged all the officials to work for a rich, vibrant and ever developing Manipur.
Later, retired Additional PCCF K Thambou Singh and former Chief Information Commissioner Th Ibobi Singh, who attended as the event as guests of honour, shared their experiences and advised the officers to work with due diligence.
As part of the celebration, the Department felicitated four retired officers.
A team led by Dr AK Joshi, along with serving and retired officers of the department also visited the residences of the retired officers and felicitated them.
Touched by the gesture of the department officers, the veterans gave their feedbacks on the areas where the department can take up developmental works.
Later, the team handed over a memento and a stole (lengyan) as a token of appreciation to Sadok-pam Tomchou Singh (87), who is the oldest surviving retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, at his Wangkhei Lourembam Leikai residence in Imphal East district.
The team also honoured former Chief Wildlife Warden Th Priyobor Singh and retired Deputy Conservator of Forest Kh Kalachand Singh at Bamon Leikai, Imphal East.
Retired IFS H Nengsong (93) was also honoured in Churachandpur.
The function at Sanjenthong was also attended by officers and staff of the Forest Department, including officers from the districts.
As part of the celebration, a seminar will be organised by the department at its head office on Tuesday.
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