Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 2: District Level Wildlife week was inaugurated today at the Nature Interpretation Centre, Dachigam National Park, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation and fostering harmony between humans and nature.
The event was held under the guidance and leadership of Sarvesh Rai, PCCF (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, Jammu and Kashmir. Wildlife Week 2025 will feature activities such as quiz competitions, painting and debate contests, cleanliness drives in protected areas, walkathons, and trekking events. Organizers said the initiative aims to inspire public participation and reinforce the message that every individual can contribute to wildlife conservation through small, thoughtful actions in daily life.
Parvez Ahmad Wani, Wildlife Warden, Central Division Srinagar, welcomed the chief guest, Tawheed Ahmad Deva, and other dignitaries, and thanked school staff, students, and park officials for their involvement. “Collaborative efforts are crucial to promoting conservation awareness, and the youth have a vital role in shaping a sustainable future for wildlife protection,” Wani said.
In his keynote address, Tawheed Ahmad Deva, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir, stressed the importance of community participation in conservation. “Addressing human-wildlife conflicts requires long-term solutions that balance biodiversity protection with local livelihoods,” he said. He also highlighted the need for a comprehensive census of leopards and Himalayan black bears and expressed concern over the growing threat posed by wild boars. He congratulated Dachigam National Park officials for achieving the top rank among 438 national parks and sanctuaries evaluated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Other speakers included Nazir BeNazir, member of the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Advisory Board; Nadeem Qadri, Amicus Curiae, Jammu and Kashmir High Court; and Aaliya Mir, Project Head at Wildlife SOS, who shared insights on regional biodiversity and conservation priorities.
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