IFS officers visit Paonta Sahib for exposure tour

A group of 60 senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers from across the country visited Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district for an exposure tour under the Mid Career Training Programme (MCTP) organised by the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun—the premier training institute for IFS officers in India.

The officers were welcomed by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Paonta Sahib, Aishwarya Raj, who briefed them on the division’s notable achievements and ongoing initiatives in forestry management, biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection and ecotourism development.

As part of the visit, the officers toured the Supreme Court-monitored Experimental Silviculture Area in Rajban, where they examined the regeneration success of Sal (Shorea robusta) saplings in compartments that underwent silvicultural operations during 2018-2020. The area is a significant example of Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR), and annual monitoring studies have shown encouraging outcomes in terms of natural growth and species diversity.

Paonta Sahib valley holds the distinction of being the only region in Himachal Pradesh with rich Sal forests, spanning over 16,202 hectares. The visiting officers were impressed with the scientific approach and ecological care employed in maintaining the integrity of these tropical forests.

The delegation also visited the recently developed Sirmaur Van Vihar near Sataun Bridge, an ecotourism site that highlights the rich history, cultural heritage and natural beauty of Sirmaur district. The officers appreciated the unique concept and innovative presentation by the Forest Department, terming it a model for integrated eco-development.

Additionally, a focused discussion on Project Elephant was conducted during the visit, with emphasis on addressing the growing concerns of human-elephant conflict in the region. Strategies for long-term coexistence and conflict mitigation through habitat improvement and corridor management were deliberated.

Speaking on the occasion, Paonta Sahib DFO Aishwarya Raj emphasised the importance of knowledge exchange and field exposure in strengthening forest governance and conservation practices. “This visit not only provides an opportunity to showcase local innovations but also enables mutual learning among officers serving across diverse forest landscapes,” he said.

Himachal Tribune