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| Qazi stresses for vigorous awareness campaign on wildlife protection | | | Srinagar, October 03
Stressing for launching of a vigorous and sustained drive to make people particularly the youth aware about importance of wild life protection, Minister for Forests, Environment and Housing and Urban Development Qazi Mohammad Afzal has said that conservation of wildlife is necessary for maintaining their natural habitat. He said that Jammu and Kashmir has a rich biodiversity and it is very essential to protect it for posterity.
The Minister was addressing a well attended function held in connection with Wildlife Week at SKICC here today. The week is observed every year from October 2nd and various functions are held in connection with protection of wildlife by the Department of Wild Life Protection.
Minister of State for Forests, Agriculture and Technical Education Mr. Ajaz Ahmed Khan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Irshad Ahmed Khan, Chief Wild Life Warden Mr. A. K. Srivastava, senior officers of various departments, educationists, students, representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Qazi Afzal said that it is good coincidence that the week commences on the birth day of Mahatma Gandhi which provides an opportunity to involve people in the cause of nature conservation. He said that wildlife has aesthetic, recreational, spiritual, cultural and economic significance and strenuous efforts need to be taken for preserving the many species particularly those which are on the endangered list. The Minister said keeping in this mind, Jammu and Kashmir established a separate Wildlife Protection department in 1978. He called upon the nature lovers to extend their cooperation to the government in its endeavour to protect wildlife in the state.
The Minister said about 15780 sq kms which form 15.60 percent of the total geographical area of the state has been notified under the protected area net work. He said 4 national parks, 14 wildlife sanctuaries and 35 conservation reserves are being managed on modern scientific lines to ensure habitat management. All out efforts are being made to save some rare species like Hangul, snow leopard, ibex, chiru, markhor, musk deer, black and brown bear, black necked crane etc., he said adding that the people living near the forest areas need to be more involved in the protection of the wild life. He asked various concerned departments to work in coordination to ensure better results.
Minister of State for Forests Mr. Ajaz Ahmed Khan also spoke on the occasion and exhorted for launching a sustained campaign to educate people about the importance of wildlife protection.
Chief Wild Life Warden presented the welcome address while Principal Chief Conservator of Forest highlighted the role of various departments in protection of wild life.
A colorful cultural programme was also presented by students of various educational institutions. They also read out papers about significance of wildlife protection.
Later, Qazi Afzal distributed prizes among the best adjudged speakers besides gifts to the participating students.
Compensation cheques worth Rs. one lakh each to the legal heirs of the three victims of man-animal conflict.
On this occasion, Qazi Afzal also announced that Rs.5000 each would be provided by the State Forest Corporation to the first three position holders of today’s function. He also announced Rs.1000 to every participating school. |
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