SRINAGAR: On National Forest Martyrs Day, Jammu & Kashmir paid tribute to the sacrifices made by 85 forest officers and officials who lost their lives while carrying out their duties.
The solemn ceremony occurred at the Forest Memorial in Srinagar, where Principal Secretary Forest, Environment & Ecology, Dheeraj Gupta, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, Roshan Jaggi, paid their respects.
Similar commemorative events took place in various parts of Jammu & Kashmir to honour the dedication and sacrifices of forest officers and frontline staff. National Forest Martyrs Day, observed annually on September 11th, serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by these individuals in protecting forests, wildlife, and the environment.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, established National Forestry Martyrs Day in 2013, commemorating the Khejrli Massacre of 1730. The day serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by forest officers, including encounters with forest offenders, timber smugglers, wild animals, and the harsh challenges posed by inhospitable terrain and adverse weather conditions.
