New Delhi, May 14 (ANI): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has called on the probationers of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) today to service with commitment, honesty and sincerity.

Speaking to the probationers, the President said that they face an onerous task and that forests are very important in maintaining ecological balance as well as in the social, cultural and economic development of any country.

She said they are a storehouse of bio-diversity and a resource base for the sustenance of the population.

Patil emphasised that since ancient times, forests and trees have had a special and revered place.

She told the probationers that the challenge is to preserve our forests as an invaluable natural resource while giving recognition to the needs of forest dwellers, particularly tribal communities.

Referring to the enactment of the Traditional Forest Dwellers Act, the President said the Act provides rights to dwellers over land in their occupation and in its implementation, it would also have to be ensured that adequate protection is provided to critical wildlife habitat.

The implementation would thus have to be done with justice and transparency, she said. (ANI)