Keshav Chandra Releases Special Postal Cover on Narcondom Hornbill and Special Cancellation Stamp on Dolphin
Port Blair, Oct. 6: The first National Dolphin Day was celebrated across Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 5th Oct. 2022. As part of the celebration, various awareness activities were conducted by the Department of Environment & Forests for conservation of Dolphins and other marine wildlife species on this day. The Government of India has decided to celebrate 5th October as National Dolphin Day to generate mass awareness towards this important wildlife, which is an indicator species of the health of the aquatic or marine ecosystem. To mark the occasion, a formal function was held at Secretariat today in which the Chief Secretary, A&N Islands, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS graced the occasion as the chief guest.
During the programme, a Special Postal Cover on Narcondam Hornbill, which also carries a Special Cancellation Stamp on Dolphin was released by the Chief Secretary. Shri Anil Kumar, IPS, Post Master General (West Bengal Circle) was present as the guest of honour. Dr. R.S.C. Jayaraj, IFS, PCCF, Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (E&F) and Shri Pankaj Kumar, IAS, Secretary (E&F) also graced the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary remarked that all the stakeholders have their role to play in conserving the forests and natural resources, including wildlife and therefore, every citizen should come forward and contribute in safeguarding these invaluable natural resources.
Earlier, the Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, IFS briefed about ‘Project Dolphin’ and benefits of dolphin to society, particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Deep Shika, IFS, DCF (Wildlife). The programme was also attended by Shri Sanjay Waradkar, IFS, CF (Wildlife) and Shri Birendra Choudhary, IFS, DCF (WP) and other officials of A&N Forest Department and India Post.
Later in the day, Dolphin Tableau and bike/cycle rallies were organized at various places such as Diglipur, Mayabunder, Rangat, Port Blair & Nicobar. A special fishermen sensitization programme was also conducted at 10 different locations from Diglipur to Car Nicobar during which, the fishermen were sensitized about the role of Marine Dolphins in our life. During this interaction programme, ‘Dolphin Mitras’, a volunteer group of citizens to spread awareness on Marine Dolphins was also launched and many volunteers enrolled in the programme.