Leh, May 25, 2026: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired an interactive session with the Indian Forest Service (IFS) probationers of the 2025–2027 batch from the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) during their study visit to Ladakh.
The interaction was held as part of the probationers’ field exposure programme in the Union Territory.
The session began with an introduction of the probationers, who shared their educational backgrounds, allocated cadres, and professional experiences. Faculty members accompanying the probationers were also present during the interaction.
Shri S. Rajesh, IFS, Additional PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh, introduced the IFS probationers and faculty members to the Chief Secretary on behalf of the visiting delegation and briefed him about the objectives of their study visit to Ladakh.
Welcoming the probationers to Ladakh, the Chief Secretary interacted with them in an open and engaging manner, sharing his personal experiences from public service and professional life. He encouraged the young officers to remain committed to integrity, public service, and meaningful contribution towards society while adapting to the evolving challenges of governance and environmental conservation.
Shri Kundra emphasized the importance of intellectual integrity, optimism, innovation, and risk-taking ability in public administration. He urged the probationers to continuously challenge themselves, remain grounded in their values, and work towards creating positive and lasting impact through their careers.
The Chief Secretary also spoke about the changing socio-economic and environmental landscape of the country and highlighted the growing importance of sectors such as climate change mitigation, wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism, environmental education, and ecological protection. He stressed that forest and wildlife officers have a critical role in balancing conservation with sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
Referring to the unique ecological conditions of Ladakh, Shri Kundra encouraged the probationers to think beyond conventional approaches and explore innovative, community-driven conservation models that can create economic incentives while preserving biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.
He further emphasized the importance of developing specialization, field experience, and practical understanding in areas such as climate resilience, water conservation, forest protection, and sustainable development, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like Ladakh.
The interaction concluded with a vote of thanks by one of the probationers on behalf of IGNFA, expressing gratitude to the Chief Secretary for his insightful guidance and motivational interaction. The probationers, representing different states and cadres across the country, appreciated the opportunity to engage with the Administration and gain insights into governance and environmental challenges in Ladakh.
