Manipur Forest Department honours veteran officials for their outstanding service

Imphal: Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Awangbow Newmai Monday assured that he will discuss with the Chief Minister regarding the matter of giving annual meritorious awards to the outstanding Forest officials. He made the statement at the 90^th 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. 

Stating that the department officers should be allowed to do their duty without any interruption, he said that many have no idea about the forest rules and acts, also regarding the service which the department officers and staff are rendering to the people. 

Acknowledging the tough situations faced by the officials while performing their duty, he advised them to go on the right path following the rules as they have a huge responsibility on them. He also advised them to make sure to make people understand various rules, acts and programs of the department. He wished happy home life to the glorious officers (veteran officers) and appealed to them to continue rendering their service at whatever calibre they could. 

Dr Aditya Kumar Joshi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force (PCCF and HoFF) paying his tribute remembered the retired officers of the department, including those who are no more 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, which mainly comprises lady officers.

He acknowledged the contributions of the field staff and stated that they are the face of the department who deal with everything in the field. He said it is mainly because of the field staff that people are now realising that the importance of the department. Stating that he is confident that the Forest Department will continue the good work, he urged all the officials to resolve to work towards for rich, vibrant and ever-developing Manipur. 

Guest of Honours, Shri K. Thambou Singh, retired Additional PCCF and Shri Th. Ibobi Singh retired Additional PCCF and former Chief Information Commissioner shared their experience in the department and gave advice to the officers of the department. 

As part of the celebration, the Forest Department felicitated four retired officers honouring them for their glorious service and dedication to the department. A team led by Dr AK Joshi, PCCF and HoFF 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 lengyan as a token of appreciation to Shri 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 programme will be organised by the department tomorrow at the head office.