India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav Addresses IFS Convocation on Climate Challenges

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav spoke at the convocation of the 2024 batch of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer trainees at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun. He warned that future officers will confront climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification, urging the use of innovation, modern technology and artificial intelligence while maintaining ethical public service.

The ceremony marked the graduation of 111 trainees, including 21 women and two international officers from Bhutan. Allocations included 11 officers to Madhya Pradesh and five to Uttarakhand. IGNFA, founded in 1938, has trained all IFS officers since independence and 369 officers from 14 friendly countries. Yadav highlighted India’s 2047 environmental goals, the expansion of protected areas, and the work of more than 16 Ministry organisations in advancing forestry and conservation.

The minister also reflected on his own shift from environmental litigation to ministerial leadership, emphasizing the need for compassion, sacrifice and continuous learning among forest officers.