13 Forest Guards ready for deployment

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: The basic training course in Forestry and allied subjects to the 13 untrained Forest Guards [FGs] was conducted from 12 December, 2011 to 30 January, 2012 at Forest Range Office [Territorial] situated at Baluwakhani.
They were physically trained in drill and saluting and also given practical training in apprehension of forest offenders, recording of statements, seizure of properties, measurement of timber and logs and filing of report to the officers.
They were also trained in Botanization, eco-development activities, biodiversity conservation programme, firefighting, man and animal conflict, forest survey, map reading and application of modern tools like GPS. The trainees were well trained in adopting plantation methodology and nursery techniques.
The closing ceremony of the 50-day training had the PCCF cum Secretary Forest, ST Lachungpa as the chief guest today at the Forest Range Office, Baluwakhani and was attended by senior officers of the department. The certificate of training was awarded to the trainees by the Forest Secretary.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by DFO (T) East, N Tshering Bhutia.

Forester shares experience of earthquake seconds and long hours after at Lachung

Aerial view of Lachung

GANGTOK, 28 Sept: Forest Guard Ashok Gurung and his colleagues Dawgey Bhutia, Bhola Nath Dangal and Pravin Baraily were on duty at Lachung when the earthquake struck on 18 September. Being among the few men in uniform in the affected area, the team, led by their BO, Karma Sonam, were among the first to begin rescue operations. FG Gurung was flown to Gangtok on 26 Sept after sustaining injuries during rescue operations.

Forest officers retaining govt employees for domestic chores risk suspension

GANGTOK, 29 June: Forest Department officers, who divert the services of Forest Guards and MR employees for personal work at their residences, now do so at the risk of ‘immediate suspension’.
This was one of the directions of the letter issued earlier this month by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest [Planning & Administration], Department of Forests Environment and Wildlife Management addressed to all Divisional Forest Officers informing that the Department has learned of such misconduct from “some reliable sources”.

143 Forest Guard trainees march out to new responsibilities

AMEET OBEROI
GANGTOK: “You are all responsible citizens and from today onwards you must perform your duties with full responsibility. Punctuality and discipline are most important,” said Chief Minister Pawan Chamling while addressing the passing out parade of 143 Forest Guard trainees here at the Sikkim Armed Police Camp, Pangthang, organized by the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, today.
“Being a Forest Guard is not a minor task, but a starting point and you can keep climbing higher. To make this come true never lose hope, aim high and above all work hard,” he said and added that the duty of a Forest Guard was not just to guard, but also to protect the environment. He further urged the department to decide the postings of the FGs on the basis of their usefulness and knowledge.