New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday called upon probationers of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) to adopt a people-centric approach to environmental conservation, stressing that forests can only be protected effectively when local communities become active stakeholders in conservation efforts.
Addressing the probationers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, the President said ecological protection should go hand in hand with the legitimate aspirations of people living in and around forests. She urged the young officers to combine scientific knowledge with traditional wisdom while working towards India’s environmental and developmental goals.
‘You Are Custodians of India’s Natural Heritage’
Congratulating the probationers on joining one of the country’s premier civil services, President Murmu described their selection as the beginning of a “sacred duty” to serve the nation.
“You are not only administrators of forests. You are custodians of India’s natural heritage,” she said, highlighting that the responsibilities of IFS officers have become even more significant as the world grapples with climate change and biodiversity loss.
She noted that forests play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, regulating local climates and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people, making the work of IFS officers vital not only for India’s environmental security but also for global sustainable development efforts.
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Conservation and Development Must Go Together
The President emphasised that environmental protection and development should not be viewed as competing objectives.
She advised the probationers to work towards solutions where both nature and local communities can thrive together.
“Ecological protection must be harmonized with the legitimate aspirations of people who live in and around forests,” she said, adding that balancing conservation with inclusive development is essential for sustainable progress.
Communities Are Key to Forest Protection
Highlighting the importance of public participation, President Murmu urged the young officers to encourage community involvement in conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
She said officers should actively engage with:
- Tribal communities
- Forest dwellers
- Women
- Farmers
- Local institutions
According to the President, understanding the concerns and experiences of these stakeholders would help officers make more informed decisions.
“When communities are stakeholders in protecting forests, conservation efforts will be more effective and long-lasting,” she said.
Blend Science with Traditional Wisdom
President Murmu encouraged the probationers to rely on scientific evidence while also valuing knowledge accumulated through generations of local experience.
She observed that the most effective decisions often emerge when scientific research is combined with practical wisdom and meaningful dialogue with communities.
This balanced approach, she noted, would help officers address increasingly complex environmental challenges.
Increase Forest Cover, Strengthen Ecological Security
Calling forests the “foundation of life on Earth”, the President urged the probationers to focus on expanding forest cover across the country.
She said ecological security forms an integral part of India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, and expressed confidence that the young officers would play a defining role in ensuring the country’s development remains green, inclusive and sustainable.
India’s Environmental Initiatives Highlighted
The President also referred to several national initiatives aimed at balancing development with ecological responsibility.
She said India has responded to environmental challenges with determination through measures such as:
- Expansion of renewable energy
- Forest and wetland restoration
- Mission LiFE for sustainable lifestyles
- River rejuvenation programmes
- Wildlife conservation initiatives
- Community-led environmental stewardship
These initiatives, she said, reflect India’s commitment to achieving sustainable development while protecting natural resources.
242 IFS Probationers Undergoing Training
The probationers currently undergoing professional training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun, belong to two batches.
- 2024 Batch: 111 officer trainees
- 2025 Batch: 131 officer trainees
Each batch also includes two officer trainees from Bhutan, reflecting the academy’s role in regional capacity building.
The President noted that the diversity of the officer trainees, representing different regions, languages and cultures, would help them better understand India’s varied ecological and social landscapes and enable them to serve the country with a broader perspective.
She concluded by expressing confidence that the young IFS officers would contribute significantly to safeguarding India’s forests while ensuring that conservation remains people-centric, science-driven and sustainable.
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