Port Blair, Oct. 8: The valedictory function of the 68th Wildlife Week celebrations-2022 by the Department of Environment & Forests, A&N Administration was held at the TGCE Auditorium here today. The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS was the chief guest on the occasion. The Zilla Parishad Adhyaksha, South Andaman, Smt. Pramila Kumari, the DGP A&N Islands, Shri Neeraj Thakur, IPS, the Commissioner-cum- Secretary, Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, the Chairperson, PBMC, Smt. Kavitha Udhay Kumar and senior Officers of A&N Administration were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary stated that A&N Islands is known for its amazing wildlife diversity. The endemic species found here cannot be seen anywhere else in the World and it’s an amazing opportunity for all of us to enjoy what nature has bestowed upon us, said the Chief Secretary. Mentioning that there are so many varieties of birds in A&N Islands, he urged the people to show interest in wildlife as well as in plant, tree, butterfly and crab species which are endemic to the Islands. Wildlife Week is celebration of our rich wildlife diversity as well as the celebration of nature’s bounty, the Chief Secretary remarked.
The Chief Secretary further stated that there is a need for preserving and conserving the fragile eco-system, which the A&N Islands are endowed with. Youngsters should be encouraged to enjoy the beauty of nature and disseminate information about the Isles rich bio-diversity through different mediums to the masses, he said. The Chief Secretary also urged the Forest Department to conduct bird watching for people so that they can appreciate the different species of birds in Isles. The Chief Secretary also congratulated the Forest Department for conducting various activities as part of Wildlife Week celebration in different parts of the Islands and also for their commitment towards conserving and preserving the fragile eco-system of A&N Islands striking a balance.
The Chief Secretary alongwith other senior Officers also distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions organized by the Forest Department during the Wildlife Week celebration.
In his address, the PCCF, ANI & PCCF (WL), Dr. R.S.C. Jayaraj, IFS said that National Wildlife Week is celebrated from 2nd to 8th of October every year in India which aims at protecting and preserving India’s flora and fauna. Wildlife Week was conceptualized in 1952 with a long-term goal to safeguard the lives of the endangered and threatened species of animals, he added. The PCCF also informed about the sensitization efforts being carried out by the Department among citizens to avoid human- crocodile conflict.
Speaking on the occasion, the DGP, A&N Islands, Shri Neeraj Thakur, IPS, congratulated the Forest Department for celebrating Wildlife Week in a befitting manner. Police Department is also committed towards wildlife conservation and takes action against illegal hunting and poaching activities, he said.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, IFS stated that Wildlife Week is a unique concept of India which appreciates nature & wildlife. He also gave details of the activities carried out during the week to educate people regarding the fragile eco-system and the need for its conservation and preservation.
The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ms. Deep Shikha, IFS.