Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri said that conservation of State’s precious natural wealth and their proper scientific management was the priority of the State Government. He said that Wildlife was very important subject and trained staff had been deployed for managing the protected area network of the State. He said that first week of October was being celebrated as wildlife week as it also coincides with the Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, campaigner of non violence. A massive awareness campaign had been launched in the State to make people aware about the importance of wildlife heritage of the State, he added.
The Minister said that 25 treks would be organised in the wildlife sanctuaries/National Parks for school children. He directed the wildlife and territorial forest officers to accompany the children in trekking and acquaint them with the local flora and fauna. He exhorted the schools to join hands in organizing the events like painting, quiz, debate and essay competitions etc. pertaining to wildlife conservation in collaboration with Wildlife Wing of Forest department.
Bharmouri said that wildlife films would be screened at Shimla, Kufri, Manali and Dharamshala during the week. He disclosed that Bird Race would be organized for school children at district headquarters, where bird identification tips would be given to the participants. The Wildlife Week celebrations would culminate at the State Level function during the second week of October.
