Gujarat CM Pays Tribute to Forest Martyrs

GANDHINAGAR : They stood between Gujarat’s forests, wildlife and those who threatened them—and some paid the ultimate price. On National Forest Martyrs’ Day, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday paid tribute to forest personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and extended financial assistance to the family of a recently deceased forest officer.

Patel visited the Vanpal Memorial in Gandhinagar and laid a floral tribute to the forest martyrs. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State for Forests and Environment Pravin Mali also paid homage.

September 11 is observed as National Forest Martyrs’ Day to honour forest guards, foresters and range forest officers who have sacrificed their lives while protecting forests and wildlife.

In Gujarat, around 11 forest personnel have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1981, officials said.

The Chief Minister also met the family of Vyara Range Forest Officer Vikasbhai Desai, who recently died while attempting to prevent the illegal transportation of timber.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Patel presented a ₹50 lakh Benevolent Fund as financial assistance.

Desai’s death, officials said, highlighted the risks faced by forest personnel while confronting illegal activities and protecting the state’s natural resources.

The CM also felicitated forest personnel Kalubhai Parmar, who sustained injuries in a human-lion conflict on July 6, 2026. Patel handed him a ₹2 lakh assistance cheque.

“Forest personnel

A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs.