JAMMU: Inaugural ceremony of 32nd and 56th Forest Guard Training Courses was held today at Forest Information Centre (FIC), Vikram Chowk, Jammu. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Dr Mohit Gera was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Senior Forest Officers including CEO CAMPA, Chief Conservator of Forests, Working Plan, Research and Training, Chief Conservator of Forests (Planning & Projects), Conservator of Forests, Working Plan and Principals of Soil Conservation Training School, Miran Sahib and Forest Guard Training School Doomi, faculty/Instructors and other Forest Officials were also present on the occasion.
In his address, the PCCF emphasised that the mandate of training is to prepare a cadre of dynamic and motivated frontline staff to protect and preserve the diverse forest resources of Jammu and Kashmir and provide assistance for their scientific management. He also stressed on the holistic grooming of trainees to develop competency for twin responsibilities of Forest protection and assistance in sustainable management of Forests. Highlighting the role of Forest Guards in protecting and conserving the forests he stated that Forest Guards are like the foot soldiers of our defence and Police Forces.
He said that the Forest Guard remains and has been at the cutting edge of Forestry practice and more importantly is the department’s first interface with the people. He said that the frontline staff will also be sensitised and equipped with the requisite social skills.
CCF Working Plan, Research and Trainings Sandeep Kujur in his address informed that new draft training Rules have been made applicable with the new batches and new revised syllabus has also been finalised. He further said that bridge courses as well as special modules also will be conducted for Forest Guard trainees. He advised the trainees to exhibit highest levels of discipline and be committed to the cause of protection of Forests.
Conservator of Forests, Working Plan Irfan Ali Shah spoke about various aspects of training including history of J&K Forestry training Schools viz. Kashmir Forest Training School, Bandipora, Soil Conservation Training, School Miran Sahib and Forest Guard Training, School Doomi and discussed various aspects of training including details of different courses that are being taught to different target groups, Physical training, Awards, Prizes and Passing Out Parades.
He impressed upon the trainees to work hard and learn different techniques of Global Positioning System (GPS), Wildlife, Mensuration, Surveying etc, which will come in handy in the field once they pass out. Earlier the Principals of Soil Conservation Training School, Miran Sahib and Forest Guard Training School, Doomi presented batch profiles in a detailed manner.