Dimapur, July 1: Department of Forest accorded farewell to its outgoing PCCF & HoFF, M Lokeswara Rao, on June 30 in the office conference hall. A 1983 batch of Indian Forest Service, M Lokeswara Rao attained superannuation on successful completion of 33 years in service.
During the programme, a special presentation was given by the young IFS officers of the department about M Lokeswara Rao family and his career timeline and his achievement during his stay from 1985 to 2016.
While highlighting his achievement, the young officer said PCCF & HoFF made the department number one in the State and a golden period during his tenure. It was during his tenure, the department logo was approved besides allocation of ration allowance to the Nagaland Forest Protection Force and started the Amur Falcon conservation movement in Nagaland which got laurels both nationally and internationally and made Nagaland as Falcon Capital of the world.
Rao and communities have received awards like Royal Bank of Scotland and Balipara Foundation award. Rao was conferred the Tigerland Biodiversity Award. He got appreciation from Bombay Natural History Society, Convention of Migratory Species (MOU) Abu Dubai. Even the Union Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change had appreciated his leadership in conservation of Amur falcon.For the first time in India, satellite tagging of Amur falcon was done during his tenure as PCCF & HoFF. A special cover with the help of postal department was released on the occasion of completing of satellite tagging of Amur Falcon- Naga and Pangti. It was also during his tenure that Old Jalukie village received Biodiversity Award 2014.
During his tenure, he encouraged the frontline staff and many staff received Governors golden medal boosted the morale of the frontline staff. He also encouraged staff by giving appreciation certificates, who have done commendable work in conservation of forests and wildlife. He was also responsible for the pilot project on REDD plus in PKR and the baseline study of the community conservation areas in Nagaland.
During his tenure, three documentaries were made namely: ‘Flying Free,’ ‘Roam Free,’ ‘Nagaland is Changing’ one of which got the best film award in National Science Film Festival in Mumbai in 2015.
He conceptualised the idea of adoption of animal scheme so that people would donate funds for the welfare of the animals in Nagaland Zoological Park. The scheme received wide support from public as all the animals in the zoo were adopted.
He was responsible for rolling out the policy on community conservation areas for in giving support to the communities. GEF-Satoyama of Sukhai village in Zunheboto was inaugurated for capacity building of communities. The mega JICA external aided project has been submitted for funding to Government of India during his tenure.
Panger Jamir, while addressing, informed that Rao had brought laurels both nationally and internationally to the Nagaland, particularly to the Department for his conservation work in Nagaland. He thanked Rao for his concern towards the uplift and welfare of the department and well being of the officers and staff.
Neihu C Thur, Commissioner and Secretary of Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, appreciated the tremendous conservation work done by Rao in Nagaland.
IPS Officers’ Association represented by IGF, Rancho, appreciated the work done by Rao. It may be mentioned here that Rao even pledged to continue funding for the adopted animals in Nagaland zoo till his death.
Kevin, who represented the Nagaland Civil Services Association, appreciated the simplicity of Rao and informed that he had changed the department which was appreciated by one and all
IFS Association represented by Supong also appreciated the many initiative taken by PCCF &HoFF. Different association like NFES, Ministerial staff etc spoke on the occasion.
While delivering his farewell speech, the outgoing PCCF & HoFF said the best moments of his life was during his tenure as Conservator of Forests which enabled him to tour all over Nagaland for monitoring of FDAS. The second best moment was the last 3 years and one month as PCCF & HoFF, where he received tremendous support of officers, staff and people of Nagaland.
The memorable moments of his life, according to him, was the grand reception given by old Jalukie community during biodiversity monolith erection, besides receiving Royal Bank of Scotland award, Balipara foundation award, and Tiger land Biodiversity award.
He also advised young officers to give their best to the state make some foot prints where ever they are posted.
He further thanked the people of Nagaland for their love and affection and adding he would cherish the fond memories of his tenure in Nagaland. He looked forward to visiting Nagaland when ever his services are required.
Meanwhile, he congratulated I Panger Jamir on his appointment as PCCF & HoFF. Temjenyabang, CF (PUB), delivered the vote of thanks
