Speaking at a ceremony organised to mark the National Forest Martyrs’ Day in Shivamogga on Friday, Mr. Manjunath said the officers and the staff on the field encounter tough situations and they need to be sharp and quick in decision making. “Problems within four walls can be dealt with, but resolving them in the wild requires skill and professionalism,” he said.
Mr. Manjunath said if the valuable forest wealth was not preserved and nurtured, it would amount to nothing short of a social tragedy. “Destruction of forests will eventually lead to the destruction of humankind”. He also stressed the need for recalling the lives of those who died while on duty and paying them tributes.
Chief Conservator of Forests K.T. Hanumanthappa opined that the sacrifice of the forest martyrs was not merely a symbol of departmental devotion to duty, but represented the service rendered towards conservation of environment, protection of biodiversity and the welfare of future generations.
He also called for spreading awareness among the public about the risks faced in forest conservation and the importance of protecting forests and the wildlife. He stressed that protecting forests which provide clear air, water, rainfall, medicinal plants and biodiversity was the responsibility of every citizen.
Prasanna Krishna Patagar, DCF (Wildlife) read out the the names of martyrs. Homage was paid to the martyrs by firing three rounds of gun salute and offering floral tributes.
Conservator of Forests K. Ganapathi, Deputy Commissioner of Shivamogga Prabhulinga Kavalikatti, Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil, Zilla Panchayat CEO N. Hemanth and others were present.