Protecting the greens 58 Van Mitras equipped to save Mandi forests

A seven-day Van Mitra training camp, organised by the Forest Department, concluded on Wednesday in the Nachan Forest Division of Mandi district, marking a major stride in community-driven forest conservation. A total of 58 Forest Mitras, including 37 women and 21 men, successfully completed the training and are now set to assist forest officials across various beats in the district.

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The closing ceremony was graced by notable guests, including Padma Shri awardee Nek Ram Sharma and Priyanka from the Brahma Kumaris organisation. Both dignitaries praised the newly trained volunteers and underlined their dual role — as on-ground collaborators with the Forest Department and as environmental ambassadors within their rural communities.

Throughout the intensive week-long training, Forest Mitras were equipped with essential knowledge and hands-on experience in wildfire prevention and response, wildlife protection, community engagement and basic first aid. These skills are expected to prepare them for swift and effective action during forest-related emergencies and promote long-term conservation.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) SS Kashyap congratulated the trainees, expressing confidence in their potential. “These Forest Mitras will serve as the department’s extended arms in the field — assisting with monitoring, community outreach and rapid response during crises,” he remarked.

According to the deployment plan, the 58 Forest Mitras will be stationed as follows: 19 in Nachan, 15 in Seraj, 14 in Thachi and 10 in Pandoh. Their duties will include supporting routine departmental work, remaining vigilant in forest zones, engaging local communities and acting as first responders during emergencies.

The initiative not only strengthens the department’s field operations but also fosters a deeper ecological consciousness within local populations. During the ceremony, officials shared practical advice on forest safety and sustainable environmental practices.

All participants were awarded certificates of completion, recognising their commitment to conservation.