Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel paid tribute to forest personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty on National Forest Martyrs’ Day on September 11, 2026. The Chief Minister visited the Vanpal Memorial in Gandhinagar and offered floral tributes to the forest martyrs.
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali also joined the Chief Minister at the memorial. The occasion highlighted the sacrifices made by forest guards, foresters and range forest officers in protecting Gujarat’s forests and wildlife.
National Forest Martyrs’ Day Observed on September 11
National Forest Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on September 11 to honour forest personnel who have lost their lives while protecting forests and wildlife.
The day aims to:
- Remember the sacrifices of forest guards, foresters and range forest officers.
- Inspire future generations through their dedication and courage.
- Create greater awareness about forest and wildlife conservation.
- Strengthen public commitment towards protecting natural resources and wildlife.
At the Vanpal Memorial, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel paid tribute to around 11 forest personnel who have sacrificed their lives in Gujarat since 1981.
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₹50 Lakh Assistance to Family of Forest Martyr
During the programme, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel met the family of Vikasbhai Desai, Range Forest Officer of the Vyara Range, who recently lost his life while preventing the illegal transportation of timber.
The Chief Minister expressed condolences to the bereaved family and acknowledged Desai’s commitment to his duty. He presented the family with ₹50 lakh from the Benevolent Fund as financial assistance.
The incident highlighted the risks faced by forest personnel while combating illegal activities and protecting forest resources.
₹2 Lakh Aid for Forest Personnel Injured in Human-Lion Conflict
The Chief Minister also felicitated forest personnel Kalubhai Parmar, who was injured in a human-lion conflict on July 6, 2026.
Patel presented Parmar with a ₹2 lakh assistance cheque in recognition of his service and to support him following the incident.
The assistance also underscores the risks faced by frontline forest personnel while carrying out conservation and wildlife protection duties.
Dignitaries and Forest Officials Attend Event
Several senior officials, elected representatives and forest personnel attended the programme at the Vanpal Memorial.
Those present included:
- MLA Rita Patel
- City Organisation President Dr Ashish Dave
- Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, R. C. Meena
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Dr Jaipal Singh
- Chairman of the All India Forest Association, Delhi
- Forest Department representatives from Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttarakhand
- A large number of forest personnel and other dignitaries
Two-Minute Silence Observed for Forest Martyrs
As part of the observance, all participants maintained a two-minute silence in memory of the forest personnel who sacrificed their lives while protecting forests and wildlife.
The tribute programme served as a reminder of the crucial role played by forest personnel in conservation efforts and the risks involved in safeguarding forests, wildlife and natural resources.
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