IFS Officers study soil conservation, livelihood initiatives in Dhamtari

DHAMTARI,INDIA: A team of 32 Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers from different states, currently undergoing training at the National Forest Academy in Dehradun, visited the Dhamtari Forest Division to study various initiatives related to forest management and livelihood development.

During the visit, CCF Raipur, Raju Agasimani, and DFO Dhamtari, Shri Krishna Jadhav, briefed the officials on soil and moisture conservation efforts carried out in the Pumpar Drain. They explained how these measures are helping in water conservation and biodiversity protection in the region.

The team also visited the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra in Dugli, where they interacted with members of self-help groups and traditional Vaidya doctors. Discussions were held on the value addition of minor forest produce, the preservation of traditional medicinal knowledge, and the role of such initiatives in generating livelihood opportunities.

IFS officers Himanshu Dongre and Shweta Kamboj, along with other officials including SDOs, RFOs, and field staff, coordinated the study tour. The visiting officers appreciated the conservation strategies implemented by the Chhattisgarh Forest Department and the efforts made towards community-based economic empowerment.