Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav on Saturday called upon young Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers to combine technological innovation with public participation and human sensitivity to address major environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification. Addressing the convocation ceremony of the 2024 batch of IFS probationers at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, Yadav said modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, should not be limited to collecting and analysing environmental data. Instead, they should be used to develop practical and people-centric solutions for protecting natural resources and supporting communities dependent on forests.

“The coming years will present major challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification. Addressing them will require equal emphasis on innovation, modern technology and people’s participation,” Yadav said during his address. The minister urged the newly trained officers to ensure that technology is applied with sensitivity, particularly while working with forest-dependent communities. He emphasised that effective forest management requires a balance between scientific approaches, conservation goals, and the needs of local populations who rely on forests for their livelihoods. Yadav, who presided over the ceremony, presented certificates and medals to probationers who successfully completed their training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA).

He said the institution had prepared the officers for responsibilities that extend beyond traditional forest administration. Highlighting the future role of the officers, Yadav said they would be at an important stage of their careers when India reaches the centenary of its Independence. He said they would have a significant role in contributing to the country’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision by leading efforts in environmental conservation and sustainable development. The minister stressed the importance of ethics, efficiency, and accountability in public service. He said strong moral values, effective use of time, and the ability to achieve maximum results with limited resources were essential qualities of successful government officers.

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Yadav encouraged the probationers to become leaders rather than remain limited to administrative roles. He said qualities such as compassion, sacrifice, and the ability to inspire people were necessary for officers seeking to bring meaningful social change. “Leadership is not merely about administration; it is about bringing positive transformation to society,” Yadav said, adding that a good officer must first develop strong human values and understanding. The minister also advised the officers to make self-assessment and continuous learning part of their professional journey. He said field experiences would play a crucial role in shaping their approach towards forest management, environmental governance, and public service.

Earlier, IGNFA Director Rajendra Prasad Khajuria said that 111 officers, including 109 IFS probationers and two officer trainees from Bhutan, had completed the academy’s 20-month training programme. The revised curriculum focused on forestry, wildlife management, environmental governance, advanced technology, and leadership development. Khajuria highlighted the academy’s long legacy, tracing its origins to 1938. He said IGNFA has trained all IFS officers of independent India and has also provided training to 369 forest officers from 14 partner countries, strengthening international cooperation in forest management and conservation.

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