Gujarat CM Pays Tribute To Forest Martyrs, Announces Rs 50 Lakh Assistance

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday paid tribute to forest personnel who lost their lives while protecting forests and wildlife, marking National Forest Martyrs’ Day at the Vanpal Memorial in Gandhinagar. Patel was accompanied by Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali during the ceremony.

The Chief Minister and other officials paid floral tributes to the forest martyrs and observed a two-minute silence along with forest department officials and personnel. According to the state government, around 11 forest personnel in Gujarat have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty since 1981 while working to protect forests and wildlife.

Patel commended the dedication of the personnel who lost their lives while carrying out their responsibilities and remembered their contribution to conservation efforts. He also met the family of Vikas Desai, a Vyara Range Forest Officer who recently died while attempting to prevent the illegal transportation of timber.

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Expressing condolences to Desai’s family, the Chief Minister handed over financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh from the Benevolent Fund. The assistance was presented as support to the family following the forest officer’s death while performing his official duties.

Patel also felicitated forest personnel Kalu Parmar, who was injured in a human-lion conflict on July 6 this year. The Chief Minister presented Parmar with a cheque for Rs 2 lakh as financial assistance in recognition of the incident and his service.

National Forest Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on September 11 to honour forest guards, foresters and range forest officers who have lost their lives while protecting forests and wildlife. The occasion also seeks to strengthen awareness and commitment towards conservation. MLA Rita Patel, senior forest department officials and representatives from several states were among those present, along with a large number of forest personnel who paid tribute to their colleagues.

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