Kohima, July 1 (MExN): PCCF & HoFF M Lokeswara Rao retired on June 30 on completing 33 years of successful service. A farewell function was held in PCCF & HoFF office conference hall.
A press note stated that while highlighting his achievement, the young officers said the Rao has made the department number one in the state and his tenure was the ‘golden period.’ He is responsible for approval of the department’s logo, got ration allowance to Nagaland forest Protection force and started conservation movement in Nagaland with the Amur Falcon 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 confirmed the Tigerland Biodiversity Award. Old Jalukie village received Biodiversity Award 2014. For the first time in India, satellite tagging of Amur falcon was done during his tenure. A special cover with the help of postal department has been released on the occasion of completing of satellite tagging of Amur Falcon, Naga and Pangti. Also he encouraged frontline staff and many received Governors golden medal.
During his tenure three documentaries were made “Flying free,” “Roam Free,” “Nagaland is changing....but,” which got the best film award in National Science Film Festival Mumbai in 2015.
He conceptualise the idea of adoption of animal scheme, so that people will donate funds for the welfare of the animals in Nagaland Zoological Park.
He is responsible for rolling out the policy on Community Conservation Areas for 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 IFS while addressing stated that Rao has brought laurels both nationally and internationally to the Nagaland, particularly to the Department. He is well known painter and his painting were exhibited in national and international exhibitions, Jamir added. Neihu C. Thur, Commissioner and Secretary Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change appreciated the tremendous conservation work done by Rao in Nagaland. IPS Officer Association represented by IGF Rancho has appreciated the work done by Rao.
Kevin representing the Nagaland Civil Services Association appreciated Rao. IFS Association represented by Supong appreciated the initiative taken by PCCF & HoFF. Different association like NFES, Ministerial staff etc spoke on the occasion.
While delivering his farewell speech Rao, informed that it is exactly 33 years and 20 days journey and added that the best moments of his life are during his tenure as Conservator of Forests (NTC) and he toured all over Nagaland for monitoring of FDAS. The second best moment is the last 3 years one month tenure as PCCF & HoFF, Rao added.
Rao acknowledged the people of Nagaland for their love and affection and I cherished the fond memories during my tenure in Nagaland. “I look forward to visit Nagaland when ever my services are required. Thanks to every one for giving grand and tearful fare well,” Rao said while congratulating I. Panger Jamir who has been appointed as PCCF & HoFF by the Government. Temjenyabang, Conservator of Forests (PUB) gave the vote of thanks.
