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On the occasion of National Forest Martyr’s Day, Chief Minister inaugurates Gujarat’s first ‘Vanpal Memorial’

During the ceremony, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and Forest Minister paid homage to the eight forest martyrs of Gujarat who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of conserving and promoting forests and wildlife

Gandhinagar, 11 September 2023: Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel inaugurated Gujarat’s first ‘Vanpal Memorial’ at Van Chetna Kendra, Gandhinagar, on the occasion of ‘National Forest Martyr’ Day, which is commemorated every year on September 11th.

Dignitaries, including Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and Forest Minister Shri Mulu Bera, paid tribute to the eight forest martyrs of Gujarat who gave their lives defending the forests and wildlife. They observed a two-minute silence in honor of these martyrs.

Since 2013, the Central Government has observed National Forest Martyrs Day on September 11th to honor frontline forest department staff, including forest guards, rangers, district forest officers, and others, who sacrificed their lives to protect wildlife and forests.

The frontline Forest Department staff tirelessly work to protect and nurture forests and wildlife, often risking their lives. They combat forest fires, prevent encroachment, tackle wood theft, illegal logging, and poaching of wildlife, and manage wildlife-human conflicts, sometimes at the cost of their own lives.

In remembrance of these heroic forest workers, the ‘Vanpal Smarak’ has been constructed at Van Chetna Kendra in Sector-30, Gandhinagar. This memorial in Gujarat will play a vital role in realizing the vision of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to take pride in the country’s heritage.

The purpose of this memorial is to commemorate the legacy of adventure, valor, and sacrifice of the forest martyrs who dedicated their lives to protect and nurture forests and wildlife, inspiring future generations.

Such memorials are established to honor the bravery of these martyrs and to inspire future generations. Their commitment to forests and wildlife will serve as an inspiration for all age groups to be more sensitive towards forest and wildlife conservation.

The Chief Minister met with the families of the forest martyrs who were present for the occasion, expressing his appreciation for the sacrifices made by their loved ones in protecting the forests. He also had a heartfelt conversation with these families, gaining insights into their socio-economic situations.

The Mayor of Gandhinagar, Shri Hitesh Makwana, MLA Smt. Rita Patel, Principal Secretary of the Forest Environment Department Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Head of the Forest Force Shri Chaturvedi, senior officials of the Forest Department, and the families of the martyrs also paid tribute to the forest martyrs on this occasion.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat