State-level forest sports meet begins in Dharamsala

At the 25th state-level forest sports and duty competition that began here today, Dharamsala came first, while Chamba and Kullu took the second and third positions, respectively, in the march-past event. The sports competition would continue for three days.

In the men’s 800 metre race, Kulwinder of Mandi got first position, Jasvir of Solan second, Rishav of Dharamsala bagged third spot. In the women’s 800 metre race, Manisha Thakur of Nahan took first position, Deepika of Chamba second, Archana of Shimla got third position.

Inaugurating the sports meet, Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) Sundar Lal Thakur said field officers of the Forest Department had to face many challenges, therefore it was important for them to stay physically fit.

He said to maintain the morale of the front staff and to assist them, Van Mitras were being recruited in 2,061 forest beats. It would also provide employment opportunities to the youth in government sector, he added. The CPS said in order to make Himachal a green state, the Mukhyamantri Van Vistar Yojana had been started. Its objective was to make the barren peaks and hills of the state green by planting trees, he added. Steps were also being taken to plant 60 per cent fruit trees in the forests, he said, adding that eco-tourism sites were being developed at identified places to promote tourism.

Earlier, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Pawanendra Kumar welcomed the chief guest. He said 800 forest employees of 13 forest circles would participate in the sports meet. This time various athletics events have been included in the sports competition.

Girl students of Dharamsala Mahavidyalaya and artistes presented cultural performances. The chief guest, CPS Sundar Singh Thakur, awarded medals to the winners of the march past and 800-metre race.