- Sensitization, awareness programmes mark celebrations
JAMMU: The Department of Wildlife Protection observed Wildlife Week from 2 October to 8 October 2016 coinciding with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Speaking at the valedictory function, Mr P P Sharma, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, who was the chief guest on the occasion, stressed the need for conservation and importance of wildlife and preservation of biodiversity. He appreciated the role of young students in participating in such functions. He also gave away prizes to the winners.
Mr Suresh Chugh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden of J&K Government, who was the Guest of Honor, highlighted the need for conservation of biodiversity. He said that educating children and young generation regarding their natural heritage is the need of the hour. He explained in detail the role of young generation in safeguarding the environment by adopting eco-friendly lifestyle.
Mr A K Gupta, Chief Conservator of Forests, Eco-Tourism, J&K Government, in his welcome address, highlighted the eco-tourism potential of wildlife areas and appealed to the people particularly youth to make the state green and safe haven for rich biodiversity. He highlighted the measures to be taken in avoiding man-animal conflict like black bear and leopard attacks and about the monkey problem in and around the Jammu city. He also highlighted the environmental issues and specific need for conservation of wetlands in the state.
Mr Amit Sharma, Wildlife Warden Jammu spoke about exposing students to the native flora and fauna with regard to conservation of wildlife habitat. He delved upon the importance of celebrating the Wildlife Weeks and sustainable conservation of natural resources. He advised people to take all precautionary measures to minimize the main-animal conflicts. He stressed the need for involvement of communities and stakeholders particularly those residing in and around the protected areas.
Mr C M Seth, former Chief Wildlife Warden J&K, Mr L K Sharma, Mr C Behera, Conservator Forests (CAMPA), DFO Ms Harpreet Kour and DFO Ms Neha Mehta also spoke on the occasion. The vote of thanks was presented by Mr Tahir Shawl, Wildlife Warden Central Srinagar.
The objective of observing wildlife week was to create awareness about conservation of wildlife among the people particularly the youth. The department conducted week-long awareness programmes spreading all over the state to create awareness among the people particularly the youth for conservation of wildlife and their habitat. The local people residing in adjoining areas of the Protect Area’s were briefed about the preventive measures to be adopted to avoid man-animal conflict situations.
The students were given prizes for the painting competition held on 06-10-2016 at NIC Building Manda, Jammu. The winner in 10thclass were Asima Kousar, Govt High School Bathindi (1st prize), Shish Pal, Govt High School Kachi Chawni Jammu (2nd prize) & Vishal, BalGharan School Jammu (3rd prize).