JAMMU: World Wildlife Day was today celebrated by the Department of Wildlife Protection by organizing a series of programmes across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The programmes were organized at Jasrota, Sopore, Dachigam, Kishtwar, Surankote, Kalakote, Shikargah-Tral, Overa-Anantnag, Surinsar-Mansar, Thein, Banihal, Maitra-Ramban, Doda and Sounder-Dachhan.
The main programme was held at Nature Interpretation Centre, Manda Jammu. Suresh Kumar Gupta, Pr. Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)/ Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K was the Chief Guest.
Gupta, in his address, highlighted the importance of World Wildlife Day and its relevance in Jammu & Kashmir. He listed different initiatives taken by the Government in Wildlife Conservation in Jammu & Kashmir. He called upon all sections of society to support the Wildlife Department in spreading awareness about Wildlife Conservation and emphasized upon the responsibility of youth and students in this cause.
Sarvesh Rai, Chief Executive Officer CAMPA, who was guest of Honor on the occasion mentioned the role of various wings of the department, NGOs and nature lovers as partners in Wildlife Conservation. He said that the Wildlife Department should fully utilize the support of CAMPA. Shri J. Frankoi, Director Forest Protection Force, J&K mentioned about the role of Eco-Tourism in Wildlife Conservation for strengthening the partnerships in the cause.
Dr. Kumar M.K., Regional Wildlife Warden Jammu, in his welcome address acknowledged the partnerships of Wildlife Department with various NGOs, Research and Educational Institutions for various activities with respect to research, documentation, protection, conservation and awareness. Shri Bhushan Parimoo from Environment Awareness Forum shared his experience and lauded the efforts of the Wildlife Department for taking various initiatives for Wildlife Conservation in Jammu & Kashmir.
Dr. Navneet Kaur, Chairperson NGO Support initiated a signature campaign for Wildlife Conservation by participants. A painting with outline of Tiger prepared by artist Shri Suresh Sharma was unveiled in the programme and all the participants completed the painting by coloring it and signing a pledge for Wildlife Conservation.
Guldev Raj, noted Bird Photographer and Conservationist, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Faculty from Institute of Mountain Environment, University of Jammu, Dr. Pankaj Chandan, Director National Development Foundation, Payal Sharma, Young Entrepreneur and Richa Anand, Post Graduate Student also spoke on the occasion.
During the programme, participants with significant partnerships were also felicitated. The participants included members of various NGOs like Himalayan Avian, NDF, Environment Awareness Forum, NGO Support, Wildlife Conservation Fund besides Researchers, Students, Bird Watchers, Nature Lovers and Wildlifers. The programme was conducted by Anil Atri, Wildlife Warden Jammu.