- World Earth Day celebrated at Rajouri
- Kohli calls for promoting eco-tourism in Rajouri-Poonch
RAJOURI: To mark the World Earth Day celebrations, Forest Department in collaboration with WWF (NGO), today organized an impressive function at Rajouri. Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment & Social Welfare, Mr. Bali Bhagat was chief guest and Minister of State for Transport, Rural Development & Horticulture, Mr. Abdul Gani Kohili was guest of honor on the occasion. MLC, Mr. Vibodh Gupta was also present on the occasion.
The programme began with lighting of traditional lamp by the Ministers and followed by debate and slogan writing competitions held for the school children on the theme of ‘save the earth from the impact of pollution through different means’. The WWF also screened a film on degradation of environment, forests and increasing pollution and its impact on the life of human beings and other living creatures on the earth.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhagat highlighted the importance of the day and said that a collective effort is needed to save the earth and other natural resources from further destruction. He said only Government efforts cannot work, but every stakeholder has to contribute for this noble cause by rising above from his/her personal interests. He expressed anguish over the constant degradation of environment, damage to the forests, illegal mining and encroachments around the rivers, lakes and said these are some of the activities which are disturbing the environment.
Calling for a massive awareness campaign to educate the masses about the conservation of environment and saving the natural resources, the Minister said that Government will step up its efforts in this direction and involve all stakeholders in the campaign. He called upon the NGOs, educational institutions, social and religious organizations to play their role in this noble cause and save the earth from further damage. He said, he has already issued instructions to the forest authorities to take effective measures to protect and promote the forests. He said the Department was also contemplating to promote eco-tourism in the potential areas, adding that Poonch and Rajouri are suitable for developing the eco-tourism spots, said the Minister.
He congratulated the WWF for its contribution towards conservation of natural resources and environment in the State, Mr. Bhagat said that the Department will work out a long-term strategy to involve the organization in the campaign. He asked the functionaries of the WWF to spread their activities in every nook and corner of the State to generate awareness amongst the masses about the importance of environment and saving the natural resources.
Mr. Kohli in his address said that Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with rich natural heritage like mountains, lakes, forests, fauna and flora which are needed to be protected by collective efforts. He stressed upon the need for promoting eco-tourism in the area. He hailed the role of WWF for awakening the masses about the conservation of natural resources.
Mr. Vibodh Gupta also highlighted the importance of conserving the natural resources to make Earth a beautiful planet to live. He said natural resources are essential for life and all out efforts should be made to protect these. He stressed the need for educating the masses, school children about the importance of environment protection and its impact on the planet. He congratulated the Forest Department and WWF for organizing this informatics function.
Several Speakers including, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Mr. A.K. Singh, WWF Chief Functionary, Dr. Pankaj Chandan also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the importance of the day. They called for a pledge by all to make collective efforts to save the planet from degradation.
On the occasion, the Mr.Bhagat distributed prizes among the school children who excelled in the competitions. He also distributed Mobile Phone sets among the Forest Guards. The Mobile sets are equipped with special Applications which will help them to perform their duty in more professional and effective manner.
Others present on the occasion were Chief Wildlife Warden, Mr. Deepak Khanna, Chief Conservator of Forest, Mr. Asif M. Sagar, Transport Commissioner, Ms. Dilshada Khan, Managing Director, JK SRTC, Mr. J.S. Tondon, Director Horticulture, Mr. Anil Sharma, General Managar, SRTC, Mr. R.S. Jamwal, Additional DC, Rajouri, Mr. Salim Malik and local leaders, Mr. Kuldeep Raj, Mr. Bharat Bushan and Mr. K.K. Langer.