As part of the celebration, the Forest Department felicitated four retired officers honouring them for their glorious service and dedication to the department. Forest minister Awangbow Newmai also hailed department officials on 90th foundation day.
TFM Desk
Forest, environment and climate change minister Awangbow Newmai on Monday said that the forest officials should be allowed to perform their duties without interference. He also assured that he will discuss the issue of conferring meritorious awards to the outstanding forest officials with the chief minister.
Newmai was speaking at the 90th Foundation Day Celebration held at the Forest Headquarters, Sanjenthong.
Addressing the gathering, the minister hailed the retired officials who had served the department since the inception of the department in 1931. Stating that the department is seen in a poor light by many people, he said it has a big responsibility to save the human race as it is nurturing the future of the state, according to official sources.
Stating that the department officers should be allowed to perform their duties without any interruption and interference, the minister added that many people still had no idea about the forest rules and acts.
Acknowledging the tough situations faced by the officials while performing their duties, he advised them to go on the right path following the rules as they have a huge responsibility. Newmai advised them to make sure that the people understand various rules, acts and programmes of the department.
Aditya Kumar Joshi, principal chief conservator of forest and head of forest force (PCCF and HoFF) also paid his tribute to the retired officers of the department, including those who are no longer alive for their glorious service. He said, “Nowadays, the perception of foresters have changed due to the dedicated hard work of the officers and staff of the department over the period of years”.
Recollecting his three decades of service, he acknowledged the contributions and experiences of his senior officers. He also wished a wonderful journey to the young officers of the department many of whom are “lady officers”.
Joshi acknowledged the contributions of the field staff and stated that they are the face of the department who deal with everything in the field. Stating that he is confident that the forest department will continue the good work, he urged all the officials to work towards a rich, vibrant and ever developing Manipur.
Guest of Honours, K Thambou Singh, retired Additional PCCF and Th Ibobi Singh, retired Additional PCCF and former Chief Information Commissioner shared their experience in the department and gave valuable advice to the officers of the department.
As part of the celebration, the forest department felicitated four retired officers honouring them for their service and dedication to the department. A team led by Joshi along with serving officers and retired officers of the department visited the residences of the retired veteran officers and felicitated them. Touched by the outstanding gesture of the department officers, the veterans gave their feedback on the areas where the department can take up developmental work.
The team handed over a memento and a stole as a token of appreciation to Sadokpam Tomchou Singh, 87 years old, who is the oldest surviving retired principal chief conservator of forest at his residence in Wangkhei Lourembam Leikai, Imphal East. The team also honoured Th Priyobor Singh, former chief wildlife warden and Kh Kalachand Singh (IFS), retired deputy conservator of forest at Bamon Leikai, Imphal East. H Nengsong, retired IFS, age 93 years old was also honoured in Churachandpur.
The function was attended by officers and staff of the forest department, including officers from the districts. As part of the celebration, a seminar cum programme will be organised by the department on Tuesday at its head office.