PASIGHAT : Deputy Forest Range Officer Takeng Samior retired from the Forest Department on Friday after rendering 39 years, eight months and 21 days of service.
Samior joined the department as a Forest Guard in 1986 and steadily rose through the ranks through dedication and hard work. He was promoted as Forester (Van Daroga) in 2015 and as Deputy Forest Range Officer in 2024.
During his career, he served in several parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Anchal Ghat, Tirap and Pasighat Range. He spent 14 years in Pasighat Range and another 24 years in the Mobile Squad, where he contributed significantly to forest protection, wildlife conservation and enforcement activities.
Apart from his official responsibilities, Samior actively participated in employee welfare organisations. He served as vice president of the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Subordinate Service Association during 1992-93, was associated with the All Arunachal Pradesh Forest Guards Union from 2010 to 2016, and served as Zonal Secretary of the All India Forest Officers’ Federation, North East Zone-II, from 2009 to 2018. He also headed the East Siang Circle Staff Association of Arunachal Pradesh as its president from 2015 to 2023.
His achievements began during his training when he emerged as the topper of the 22nd Forest Training Batch in 1987, earning a silver medal. He also received a silver medal in Silviculture for his academic excellence.
Recalling one of the most challenging moments of his career, Samior said he narrowly escaped death six times while performing his duties during the devastating Siang River floods of 1998 in Pasighat.
He is also remembered for his humanitarian service. During his career, he voluntarily donated blood to save the life of a critically ill patient from Shi Yomi district despite official commitments. The donation left a permanent scar-like mark on his arm, which he regards as a symbol of service, sacrifice and humanity.
Throughout his service, Samior advocated environmental conservation and sustainable forest management, stressing that protecting forests is a shared responsibility of both the government and the public. He also encouraged compensatory plantation whenever trees are felled.
Advising young forest personnel, he said discipline, dedication, vigilance and a strong sense of duty are essential qualities for every Forest Guard, along with a genuine commitment to protecting forests and the environment.
With his retirement, Samior brings to a close a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service, leadership and commitment to forest conservation in Arunachal Pradesh.
