On September 11, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel paid tribute to forest personnel who lost their lives protecting forests and wildlife at the Vanpal Memorial in Gandhinagar. He was joined by Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali. The ceremony included floral tributes and a two‑minute silence observed by forest officials and personnel.
Since 1981, about 11 forest personnel in Gujarat have died while safeguarding forests and wildlife, according to the state government. Patel praised their dedication and remembered their contributions to conservation. He also met the family of Vyara Range Forest Officer Vikas Desai, who died while trying to stop illegal timber transport, and expressed condolences.
As a gesture of support, Patel handed over Rs 50 lakh from the Benevolent Fund to Desai’s family. He also felicitated Kalu Parmar, who was injured in a human‑lion conflict on July 6, and presented him with a cheque for Rs 2 lakh. National Forest Martyrs’ Day, observed annually on September 11, honors those who have died in the line of duty and promotes awareness of forest conservation.
The gathering was attended by MLA Rita Patel, City Organisation President Dr Ashish Dave, Principal Secretary R.C. Meena, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Dr Jaipal Singh, the Chairman of the All India Forest Association in Delhi, and officials from the forest departments of Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttarakhand. A large number of forest personnel also attended and paid tribute to their fallen colleagues.
