Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 474/12

WILDLIFE WEEK CONCLUDES

Shillong, October 30, 2012: The Valedictory function of Wildlife Week Celebrations 2012 was held at All Saints Cathedral Hall, Shillong on 30th October 2012 chaired by the Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. W M S Pariat. In view of this celebration the department has conducted a month long programme in all the districts of Khasi Hills and also distributed the prizes to the winners of various competitions.

The department wants to involve the students of schools and colleges in the celebration in order to inculcate in them the importance of conserving nature and natural resources. In view of this, essay writing, drawing and painting competitions on subjects pertaining to wildlife and its conservation were held earlier for different categories.

Forest and Environment Minister, Mr. Prestone Tynsong while deliberating his speech as chief guest appealed to everyone present to walk together as partnership with the government to change the depleting environment. He asked the youth in particular to rededicate them and create peaceful and harmonious atmosphere as this is the only one that can make us go forward to change the ecosystem for a better Meghalaya.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Mr. V K Nautiyal summarized the immense richness of wildlife especially in North East India. He also said that by saving wild animals and plants we are protecting the survival of human beings because we are inter dependent in nature.

Mr Nautiyal also emphasized on the need to protect and conserve the endangered and endemic species of animals and plants found in our state.

Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment, Mr M S Rao, read the Prime Minister’s message for the celebration of Wildlife Week 2012. He then spoke about the ecological imbalance of the environment which is damaging the rich biodiversity of the state as well as the country. All plants and animals are interdependent and any damage caused greatly affects various living organisms, he stated.

Mr Rao spoke about few human activities such as environmental pollution, over exploitation particularly marine depletion, use of pesticides which are causing destruction to our environment. He shared several success models of different countries and said that community participation is the only way to preserve and protect our environment.

Press Release No. 475/12

NOTICE

Shillong, October 30, 2012: All State Government Offices, Revenue and Magisterial Courts and Educational Institutions in East Khasi Hills shall remain closed on the 2nd November, 2012 on account of Nongkrem Dance.