Himachal Speaker opens Forest Sports & Duty Meet in Chamba

Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Sunday inaugurated the 26th state-level Forest Sports and Duty Meet-2025 at Chaugan ground in Chamba.

The Speaker unfurled the meet’s flag and took the salute at an impressive march-past presented by participating contingents. MLA Neeraj Nayar attended the event as the guest of honour.

Over 800 officers and employees from 11 forest circles, the Forest Headquarters in Shimla and the Wildlife Division are taking part in a range of sports and duty-related competitions during the three-day meet.

Extending his best wishes to the participants, Pathania praised the Forest Department’s efforts in conserving and enhancing forest wealth. He said such events not only strengthen physical and mental fitness but also promote teamwork and mutual harmony among staff.

Addressing the gathering, Pathania described climate change as a grave challenge to humanity and called for concrete measures to both mitigate and adapt to its impacts.

Highlighting the state government’s welfare initiatives, he said by becoming guardians to over 6,000 destitute children, the government had shown deep sensitivity and commitment to social welfare.

He also stressed the need for a non-political, special policy framework to ensure the holistic development of the aspirational district of Chamba.

Raising the problem of hydroelectric projects, Pathania pointed out that while the Central Government earns significant revenue from projects in the region, the state government receives a disproportionately low share. He cited the Baira-Siul Hydroelectric Project, operational for over four decades and the subsequent Chamera Stage-I Project as examples.

The Speaker added the state government has repeatedly urged the Centre to amend the Forest Rights Act to facilitate the rehabilitation of families affected by natural calamities, but a positive response is still awaited.

Pathania urged participants to uphold team spirit and sportsmanship, wishing them good health and success. On the occasion, he released the ‘Sports and Duty Meet Souvenir’ and a ‘Biodiversity Booklet’ published by the Nurpur Forest Division.