Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 579/16

WILDLIFE WEEK CELEBRATION

A concluding function of the weeklong Wildlife Week celebration organised by the Wildlife Wing of the Forests & Environment Department was held here today at Anton Hall, Laitumkhrah, Shillong. Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Shreeranjan graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Wildlife Week is celebrated all over the country in the month of October every year with the view to preserve the fauna of India. It was first started in the year 1952 with an aim of saving the life of animals by taking some critical steps and involves the planning to save animal extinction. The Government of India has established an Indian Board of Wild Life which works to improve the awareness as well as the consciousness of the Indian people towards preservation of wildlife. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shreeranjan said that the wildlife week is observed every year in order to remind us about our role and responsibilities in protecting and preserving the wildlife and our environment. Lamenting on the fact that human encroachment in forests areas disturbs the wildlife habitat and brings about an imbalance in the ecosystem, Dr. Shreeranjan said that valuing and having mutual respect for all living things is an important aspect of life. He urged the teachers to inculcate value system to the students so that they can be respectful and compassionate towards each other and also towards the nature. Dr Shreeranjan also suggested on the need of starting a curriculum in schools on identification and conservation of wildlife and endangered species right from the pre-nursery level which will not only act as a base foundation for the children in knowing the ecosystem we live in but will also enable them in realising the necessity and importance of preserving the wildlife. Besides distribution of prizes to the students who took part in various competitions during the weeklong celebration and presentation of Wildlife Samaritan Awards to 57 individuals who are involved in saving the animals in distress, the Additional Chief Secretary also presented a ‘Clouded Leopard’ Gallantry Award, 2016 to Shri Dan Murphy Nongbri and his team. A short video featuring the patrolling squad of Nongpoh Wildlife Range, Ri Bhoi District on their endeavour in saving and preserving wildlife and apprehending poachers was also screened during the function. Others who spoke on the occasion include Shi C. Budnah, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and HoFF, Forests and Environment Department, Shri Y. S. Shullai, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Shri G. W. Kharmujai, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Shri D. Sathiyan, Chief Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry and Environment.