New Delhi || 19-12-2024
“Whenever development takes place and there is out of necessity or compulsion for development requirements, the part of the forest land has to be converted. There has to be compensatory afforestation. But that compensatory afforestation must be authentic must be genuine, and that is what you have to ensure.” Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said this while addressing the Indian Forest Service (IFS) probationers today at Parliament Annexe.
Emphasizing on creating forest VP Dhankhar said “Whenever development takes place and there is out of necessity or compulsion for development requirements, the part of the forest land has to be converted. There has to be compensatory afforestation. But that compensatory afforestation must be authentic must be genuine, and that is what you have to ensure.”
Vice President encouraged the IFS probationers to focus on India’s civilizational roots, adding, “In our ethos, in our Vedas, Puranas, and Upanishads, you would find that we have worshipped nature. We have had a real relationship with wildlife.”
VP stressed the role of Forest officers as ambassadors of tourism. “You are natural, organic ambassadors of tourism in this country. People flock to places that are your domain. You can do wonders to make it more informative,” he said.
Referring to India’s abundant natural wealth, he remarked, “Nature has gifted India bountifully in all parts of the country. But there is a lack of awareness. Your efforts can make a significant difference in showcasing our rich wildlife, flora, and fauna.”
Highlighting the ecological balance, VP Dhankhar said, “The Almighty has created this planet not exclusively for mankind but for all living beings. It is, therefore, our responsibility to act in a manner that cares for all forms of life with empathy and care.”
The Vice President praised India’s success in tiger conservation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “To the posterity, we are obligated to ensure there is no extinction of the species of living beings. The recent steps taken under the vigilant leadership of the Prime Minister about tigers are well-known, and we are making good headway in that direction,” he noted.
Pramod Chandra Mody, Secretary General, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Sunil Kumar Gupta, Secretary to the Vice President of India, Rajit Punhani, Secretary, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Jitendra Kumar, Director General of Forests & Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Jagmohan Sharma, Director, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
