Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 2: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and HoFF, Dr. Mohit Gera, today inaugurated Wildlife Week celebration at Wildlife Complex, Manda here.
Dr. Gera emphasized the importance of conserving the diversity of forest types which host wild fauna. He called for sustained and coordinated efforts between various Government Departments and stakeholders for raising awareness about the need and importance of protection and conservation of wildlife. He also highlighted the significance of people’s participation in this noble cause. He advocated use of low cost modern technologies in afforestation and enforcement besides following landscape approach to conservation.
He also administered pledge to the participants regarding maintenance of cleanliness on the eve of Gandhi Jyanti.
Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, Suresh Kumar Gupta, highlighted the richness of biodiversity of Jammu and Kashmir in view of its unique geo climatic position. He emphasized the need for support and cooperation from all Sections of the society towards protection ad conservation of wildlife.
Dr. Gera also released a Pictorial Guide Book on herpeto fauna of Jammu region besides two video clips on wildlife rescue operations were also screened.
He awarded appreciation certificates to the Wildlife staff who have done exemplary work in the field.
Dr. Neeraj Sharma from University of Jammu, Guldev Raj from an NGO named Himalayan Avian and Rahul Raina, Ornithologist also shared their views and experiences on the subject.
The programme was also attended by Dr. Neelu Gera, Director, Environment and Remote Sensing, Sarvesh Rai, Chief Executive Officer CAMPA, Vasu Yadav, Managing Director J&K State Forest Development Corporation, J.Frankoi, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, K.Ramesh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, Samuel, Conservator of Forests, East, representatives of NGOs, DFOs and staff from Forest and Wildlife Wings.