Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 01 2021: The Department of Forest today celebrated its 90th foundation day at the department headquarters here at Sanjenthong.
The function was graced by the Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Awangbow Newmai as chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister hailed the retired officials who had served the department since the inception of the department in 1931 .
Stating that the department is seen in a poor light by many people, he said it has a big responsibility to save the human race as it is nurturing the future of the State.
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 and the service which the department officers and staff are dispensing their duties.
Acknowledging the tough situations faced by the officials while performing their duty, he advised the officials to go on the right path following the rules as they have a huge responsibility.
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Forest Minister hails Department officials on 90th foundation day
He also advised them to make sure people understand various rules, Acts and programs of the department.
He wished happy home life to the glorious officers (veteran officers) and appealed to them to continue rendering their service at whatever calibre they could.
The Minister also assured that he will discuss matters regarding annual meritorious awards to the outstanding Forest officials with the Chief Minister.
Dr Aditya Kumar Joshi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force (PCCF and HoFF) remembered and paid tributes to the retired and late officers of the department, for their glorious service.
He said nowadays the perception of foresters have changed due to the dedicated hard work of the officers and staff of the department over the years.
Recollecting his three decades of service, he acknowledged the contributions and experiences of his senior officers.
He also wished a wonderful journey to the young officers of the department, which mainly comprises lady officers.
He 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 it is mainly because of the field staff that people are now realising that the importance of the department.
Stating that he is confident that the Forest Department will continue the good work, he urged all the officials to resolve to work towards developing Manipur.
K Thambou Singh, retired Additional PCCF and Th Ibobi Singh, retired Additional PCCF and former Chief Information Commissioner, who attended the event as guests of honour, shared their experience in the department.
As part of the celebration, the Forest Department felicitated four retired officers honouring them for their glorious service and dedication to the department.
A team led by Dr AK Joshi, PCCF and HoFF along with serving officers and retired officers of the department visited the residences of the retired veteran officers and felicitated them.
Touched by the outstanding gesture of the department officers, the veterans gave their feedback on the areas where the department can take up developmental work.
The team handed over a memento and a lengyan as a token of appreciation to Sadokpam Tomchou Singh (87), who is the oldest surviving retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forest at his residence at Wangkhei Lourembam Leikai, Imphal East.
The team also honoured Th Priyobor Singh, former Chief Wildlife Warden and Kh Kalachand Singh (IFS), retired Deputy Conservator of Forest at Bamon Leikai, Imphal East.
H Nengsong (93), retired IFS, was also honoured in Churachandpur.
The function today was attended by officers and staff of the Forest Department, including officers from the districts.
As part of the celebration, a seminar programme will be organised by the department tomorrow at the head office.