Panaji: August 4, 2019 …. Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasizing the need to conserve forest to protect environment underscored Governments commitment to conserve and protect 60 percent of its forest by initiating various measures.
Chief Minister, Dr. Sawant was speaking at the Convocation Ceremony of 33rd and 34th batch of newly recruited Forest Guards at Forest Training School, Valpoi, today. A total of 163 forest guards underwent six months training at Forest Training School, Valpoi successfully.
Speaking further Dr Sawant said that Government has decided to upgrade the Valpoi Forest Training School into Goa Forest Research and Training Institute (GFRTI)for strengthening professional skills in scientific way as sattari has abundant forest cover. Different researchers from across the nation will visit this centre for research, which he said will help us to acquire knowledge on a whole lot of aspects from them.
Goa is a touristic State, he said and reiterated Governments commitment to develop hinterland tourism. Government has also decided to upgrade Bondla Wild Life Sanctuary as to increase footfall of tourist, he remarked.
The Chief Minister expressed his unhappiness over the conduct of some trainees approaching Ministers for posting of their choice and issued a stern warning that such conduct will not be tolerated. He assured that recruiter will be posted 30 kms from their place of residence and appealed to them to give 100 percent to their work irrespective of the place of posting. He urged them to come forward and learn more about forest to preserve it.
Speaking on the occasion Health Minister, Shri Vishwajeet Rane called upon the Forest Guards to discharge their duties with honesty and integrity. He urged them to develop passion and also need to learn more about forest and wild life management, forest act so as to protect and preserve forest wealth in the State.
Secretary Forest, Shri Puneet Kumar Goel and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Shri Subhash Chandra, IFS also spoke on the occasion.
Shri Anisha Kalkoor, IFS, Director, Forest Training School, Valpoi welcomed the guests and Shri Santosh Kumar, IFS, Addl PCCF & CWLW proposed the vote of thanks.
