Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel advised Indian Forest Service trainee officers to focus on serving people and nature during a meeting with the 2024–26 batch at Lok Bhawan. He emphasized that the responsibilities of forest officers extend beyond administration to include caring for nature, wildlife, tribal communities, and future generations. Patel stressed the importance of improving the lives of those residing in forest areas and urged the trainees to work with empathy, particularly towards tribal and underprivileged communities.
The Governor highlighted the significance of understanding forest laws and tribal welfare provisions to address local needs effectively. He underlined the urgency of addressing environmental challenges and climate change, emphasizing the need for a positive mindset, determination, and a service-oriented attitude to safeguard forests and wildlife. Patel emphasized that conservation should be the primary focus for all forest officers and emphasized the importance of building trust with local communities for effective governance.
Patel pointed out that public participation is crucial in combating illegal activities like deforestation and poaching. He cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped—Maa Ke Naam” initiative as a community-driven conservation model. The Governor praised Madhya Pradesh’s rich biodiversity, particularly its tiger and leopard populations, attributing the state’s conservation success to scientific forest management practices. He reminded officers of their dual responsibility to balance conservation efforts with inclusive development, urging them to uphold tribal traditions and protect constitutional rights.
Encouraging officers to promote tribal knowledge, including traditional medicinal plants and practices, Patel also stressed the importance of education in tribal areas. He advised officers to raise awareness about government programs related to health, education, and livelihoods during their fieldwork.
