Nogli, Rampur | news views post.
The Rampur Forest Division kickstarted a comprehensive Van Mitra Training Program at the Forest Rest House (FRH) Nogli, marking a crucial step towards empowering local communities in forest conservation and management.
This five-day training initiative, common across Himachal Pradesh, is designed to provide 30 hours of structured learning through both classroom sessions and practical field exercises. It aims to equip newly appointed Van Mitras with the knowledge and skills necessary for their critical roles in forest protection, afforestation, and wildlife conservation.
On the first day, 50 Van Mitras—41 from the Territorial Division, Rampur, and 9 from the Wildlife Division, Sarahan—actively participated out of the 53 enrolled. Donning their official green uniforms, the trainees showed great enthusiasm and engagement throughout the knowledge sessions.
Key Highlights of Day One:
- Introduction to the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) and its structure
- Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of Van Mitras
- Insights into Forest Working Plans and sustainable forest management
- Basics of Plant Morphology and identification of key regional species
- Classification and management of Forest Produce, including timber and NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Products)
- Coordination with the HP Forest Corporation for extraction and transportation
- Fundamentals of Wildlife Conservation, including biodiversity protection and conflict mitigation strategies
The sessions were delivered by experienced Resource Persons including Sh. Tej Singh (ACF Rampur), Sh. Ayush Gupta (RFO Rampur), Sh. Kundan Lal Negi (RFO Sarahan), Sh. Ravinder Kumar (BO Bahali), and Sh. Saurabh (Forest Guard, Jahu). Their interactive lectures and visual presentations ensured that trainees received both theoretical insights and practical guidance.
The training program is expected to significantly boost the grassroots efforts for forest conservation, enabling Van Mitras to act as a bridge between the Forest Department and local communities.
The Rampur Forest Division’s proactive approach highlights its commitment towards sustainable forest management, biodiversity preservation, and community participation in natural resource conservation.
