Grand Opening of “Swift in Sports, Devoted in Duty” Competition in Rampur
Forest Corporation Vice Chairman Kehar Singh Khachi says Himachal Pradesh will become self-reliant by 2030 Says eco-tourism will contribute to economic growth Pledge taken for a Drug-Free Himachal; Forest Department players take oath Over 1,000 players to participate in 124 events across 32 sports
11 September 2026
(Viren Thakur)
The 27th Annual Sports and Duty Competition of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department began with great enthusiasm in Rampur on Friday. The competition was inaugurated by Kehar Singh Khachi, Vice Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation.
Addressing the participating players, Kehar Singh Khachi said that immediately after assuming office, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu resolved to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2030, and positive results are now becoming visible. He said that all government departments, including the Forest Department, are working towards achieving this objective.
He said that the Forest Department’s ambitious eco-tourism initiative is also contributing significantly to improving the state’s economy. Kehar Singh Khachi appreciated the hard work and dedication of the officers and employees of the Forest Department.
He urged the department to work towards making Himachal Pradesh greener through plantation drives. Announcing from the stage, Kehar Singh Khachi said that the Sukhu government has set a target of increasing the state’s green cover to 32 percent by 2030. He emphasized that forest personnel entrusted with protecting the forests have an important role to play in achieving this goal.
Kehar Singh Khachi said that the sports competition provides an excellent opportunity for both field staff engaged in protecting forests and officers who are generally occupied with administrative work to showcase their sporting talent. He urged all participants to compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship and wished them success in the competition.
Earlier, the chief guest, Kehar Singh Khachi, received the salute of the march-past. The competition was formally inaugurated with the participants taking a pledge for a Drug-Free Himachal Pradesh.
In his welcome address, Competition Chairman and Conservator of Forests, Rampur, C.B. Tashildar, along with DCF Rampur, Gurharsh Singh, extended a warm welcome to the chief guest, dignitaries and participating players.
On the occasion, PCCF Wildlife Alok Nagar, CCF Abhilash Damodharan, all Divisional Forest Officers, Additional Divisional Forest Officers, Range Forest Officers, and other officers and employees of the department were present.
More than 1,000 players are participating in the competition. A total of 124 events are being conducted across 32 sports disciplines.
