Forest Department today conducted an online Training programme on “Forest Protection” for frontline staff of the Department and Forest Protection Force.The online training was conducted for Foresters, Deputy Foresters and Forest Guards from across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The programme aimed at updating the officials on important forest protection related issues such as dealing with forest encroachments, forest damages and their booking and Forest Fires.The training was conducted through Google Meet App, which was accessed by the field officials in their respective place of duty under the supervision of their controlling officers.Dr. Mohit Gera, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & HoFF, inaugurated the training program from Udhampur Forest Division and spoke in detail about steps taken for eviction of encroached areas and their rehabilitation, curbing the forest damages and prevention and control of forest fires. He informed that the department is strengthening its network of control rooms, forest check posts and use of technology and by involving forest protection force for effective protection of forests. He impressed upon all the frontline staff to maintain highest vigil through joint patrolling with forest protection force and follow the standard measures to strengthen the forest protection.He also highlighted the various initiatives by Forest Department such as Daily Reporting System, Toll Free Number for involving people, frequent field visits by senior officers and use of technology. He appreciated the efforts of frontline staff for the progress made towards forest protection during the lockdown period.
Mohan Choudhary, DFO Poonch, took the first session on “Encroachment-Issues and Eviction” and provided practical tips on preventing the encroachment. He also deliberated upon various causes, nature and various sections under which a forest offender can be booked and encroached land be evicted.Chander Shekhar, DFO Bhaderwah took the second session on “Forest Damage and their Booking”, explained the various aspects of forest damages and role of frontline staff in effective protection by increased vigil, coordinated team work, intelligence network, involving people. He also discussed at length on booking of the forest damages like seizure, supardnama, arrest warrant, jama talashi etc.The third session was taken by B. Mohandass, CF West, on “Forest Fires and Other Protection Related Issues”, and provided a holistic view on forest fires protection and its management in UT of Jammu and Kashmir.Meanwhile, afternoon session witnessed discussion and interactions among the staff at their respective locations and training was concluded with closing remarks by Asaf Mehmood, Director FPF and T. Rabi Kumar, CCF (Central).The training programme, attended by 1,044 forest officials from 100 locations of Jammu and Kashmir, was organized under the guidance of Sandip Kujur, CCF WPR&T with the assistance from Indu Sharma, Principal, SCTS, Miran Sahib, Jammu.