The Indian Forest Services (IFS) probationers of 2017 batch, who are on the visit to Himachal Pradesh, met Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here today.The Chief Minister, while interacting with the probationers, said that the nation had great expectations from them in the field of environment protection. He said that environment had emerged as the biggest challenge to the entire world and in this scenario the forest officers had great role to play. He also emphasized the need for use of latest technology and research to protect environment.Jai Ram Thakur said that keeping in view the environmental degradation and challenges of global warming, there was urgent need to increase forest cover. Even in Himachal Pradesh where 67.5 percent area was under forests, the need was being felt to enhance green cover.He asked the probationers to involve themselves with the society so that they could understand the basic issues and aspirations of the people. This way, they would be able to interact with people and communicate about issues like environment and water conservation etc. in a better way.The Chief Minister wished them success in their future endeavours and pleasant stay in the State.Additional Chief Secretary, Forest Tarun Kapoor and senior officers of the State Forest department were also present on the occasion.