National Forest Martyrs’ Day observed

The J&K Forest Department on Wednesday observed the National Forest Martyrs’ Day to pay homage to the brave forest officers and frontline staff who laid down their lives while protecting the forest wealth.

Senior forest officers, regional heads of allied wings and frontline staff offered floral tributes and prayers to the martyrs at Forest Memorial located at Shankaracharya forests, Srinagar, to mark their respects, said a spokesperson in a statement.

The department commemorates September 11 to honour its fallen members for their bravery. In J&K, around 100 forest officers/officials have laid their lives for the protection of its rich forest wealth. The Forest Department organised various events across forest divisions of the UT to honour these ‘forest martyrs’.

BK Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and HoFF, spoke about the need for the protection of forests given increasing pressures of urbanization, development, rise in population, and the changing climate.

Singh said forest personnel encountered numerous threats, including poaching, encroachments and forest fires, while climate change and environmental degradation further exacerbate their challenges. Despite these difficulties, they remain dedicated to preserving the forest ecosystems. He further stressed the importance of community participation to protect forests and wildlife.