Kashmir 26 April (KNB): Forest Department on Monday inaugurated the entry level training for Foresters (22nd batch) and Forest Guards (56th, 67th and 68th batches) in virtual mode.
As per a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Bureau, 25 officials have joined online training for Foresters in Soil Conservation Training School, Miran Sahib; 31 officials have joined Forest Guards Training School, Doomi, Akhnoor and 50 Forest Guards joined Kashmir Forest Training School, Chitternar, Bandipora for entry level training.
“Due to COVID-19, the training has begun in virtual mode and shall be resumed in-person as and when the situation improves,” officials added.
Pr. Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, J&K Dr. Mohit Gera in his keynote address said that the forest sector has witnessed drastic changes from mature timber exploitation-based approach to people centric forestry.
He said that the present-day forestry has to take care of concerns of livelihoods, wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation and rights of Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers.
He added that forests are a source of tangible benefits like firewood, fodder, grasses, medicine and other minor forest products. The over exploitation of forests for these benefits and unregulated grazing has led to forest degradation necessitating large- scale afforestation and rehabilitation of degraded forests.
He also said that understanding rights of forest dwellers and bonafide needs of forest dependent communities is especially important and frontline staff has to be compassionate while dealing with these groups.
He further informed that around 80% of India’s biodiversity resides in its forests, and the country is one of the mega-biodiversity Nations at global level. J&K with highest herb biodiversity as well as forest type diversity in the country also enjoys a unique position.
He said that implementation of Biodiversity Act and subsequent formulation and updation of People’s Biodiversity Register through Biodiversity Management Committees shall be pivotal to biodiversity conservation in J&K and frontline forest staff has to play an important role in this regard.
He also informed that post-reorganization many forest laws are now applicable in J&K and frontline staff undergoing training shall have to pay special attention to master them.
He further informed that new revised syllabus and training rules have been made operational since last year for all the training batches in all the three training schools which caters to the needs of the contemporary forest sector.
He said that COVID-19 has necessitated online training which has provided new opportunities like virtual classrooms, interaction with diverse speakers, subject matter experts and senior officers.
“Hands on training and exercises, learning to use technology etc. shall also be given priority during training,” he added.
He concluded by stressing on maintenance of online/offline discipline, moving with time, smart learning and enhanced learning opportunities.
Furthermore, he also appreciated the joining of Lady forest officials for training and asked them to be actively involved in all training activities.
Officials said that the inauguration of the training was initiated with the welcome address of Irfan Ali Shah, Conservation of Forests, Working Plan Circle who spoke on various issues and challenges faced by Forest Sector and these would be covered during the training.
Sandeep Kujur, APCCF (WPR&T) while speaking on the occasion informed that Academic classes will be mostly held in online mode which shall be supplemented by special training modules on contemporary forestry issues on a weekly basis.
He further informed that different assignments /micro-assignments shall be given to trainees which they shall be completing in a time bound manner.
Moreover, Naresh Majotra, Principal, Forest Guard Training School, Doomi, Akhnoor presented the vote of thanks and concluded the inaugural session. (KNB)