President Murmu Addresses Indian Forest Service Probationers On Conservation Goals

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday described probationers of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) as custodians of India's natural heritage and urged them to focus on expanding forest cover while balancing environmental protection with community needs. Interacting with young officer trainees who called on her, the President said forests are the foundation of life on Earth and play a crucial role in ensuring ecological security.

President Murmu said the responsibilities of Indian Forest Service officers extend beyond forest administration, as they are entrusted with protecting the country's natural wealth. She emphasised that ecological security is an important part of India's vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047 and expressed confidence that the young officers would help ensure that the nation's development remains green, inclusive, and sustainable.

Highlighting the growing global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, the President said forests have a central role in addressing environmental concerns. She noted that the work of forest officers contributes not only to India's environmental protection efforts but also to international efforts towards sustainable development and climate resilience.

Also Read: Foreign Visitor's Praise For Indian Theatres Over South Korea Goes Viral

The President stressed that conservation and development should not be seen as competing objectives. She advised the probationers to work towards solutions that allow both forests and communities living around them to prosper. She encouraged them to involve local populations in conservation, restoration activities, and sustainable livelihood programmes.

President Murmu also highlighted the importance of understanding the concerns of tribal communities, forest dwellers, women, farmers, and local institutions. She said conservation efforts become more effective and sustainable when communities are treated as active partners in protecting natural resources.

The probationers of two Indian Forest Service batches are currently undergoing professional training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehradun. The 2024 batch consists of 111 officer trainees, while the 2025 batch includes 131 officer trainees, including two trainees from Bhutan in each batch. The President reminded them that public service is ultimately about improving people's lives and contributing to the nation's progress.

Also Read: PM Modi Offers Condolences After Indian Tourists Die In Vietnam Tragedy