Inculcate the importance of wildlife and biodiversity in children from childhood: Shri Mangubhai Patel

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that the importance of forests, wildlife, and biodiversity, should be taught since childhood. Parents should make children aware of and sensitize them to the importance and necessity of bio-conservation. Governor Shri Patel was addressing the closing and prize distribution ceremony of the state-level Wildlife Week in Bhopal today. He presented prizes to the winners of various competitions of Wildlife Week organized from 1st to 7th October 2024.  He congratulated the officers and employees of the Forest Department and awarded them under various categories. Governor Shri Patel also administered the oath of wildlife conservation to those present in the programme.

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that our Constitution provides the responsibility of conservation of the environment and protection of forests and wild animals. Under fundamental duties, every citizen is expected to contribute to keeping the environment safe. He said that Madhya Pradesh has the pride of having the largest forest area in the country in terms of total geographical area.   Apart from tigers, the state is also known for the highest number of leopards, crocodiles, leopards, wolves, and vultures. It is the primary responsibility of every resident of the state to contribute to preserving the invaluable heritage of forests and wildlife and handing it over to future generations.

Covid gave us lesson of respect and harmony towards nature

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that Covid, the biggest pandemic of the century, has taught us all that we have to live with respect and harmony towards the diversity of nature for a secure future. Our seers and sages had also given the message of goodwill among living beings for the conservation of the ecological system thousands of years ago through their penance and sacrifice. Governor Shri Patel said that forests and wildlife have a special place in Indian culture. Our wild animals are vehicles of various Gods and Goddesses in the Indian culture. Trees and plants are also worshiped in many rituals.

Incorporate the oath into your work and behavior

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel administered the oath of wildlife conservation, promotion and protection to the people present at the closing ceremony of the state-level Wildlife Week. He said that all of us should follow the oath 24 hours and 365 days in our work and behavior. This resolution will contribute in making efforts for the conservation, promotion, and protection of forests and wildlife a mass movement. We must consider it our duty.

Minister of State for Forest, Shri Dilip Ahirwar said that Wildlife Week has an important role in creating awareness about wildlife conservation and laws. He gave detailed information about the efforts of the state government regarding wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, crime control, etc.

Governor Shri Patel was welcomed and presented with a Tulsi sapling. He was felicitated with a memento. He released posters based on the Madhya Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, Madhya Pradesh Common Butterflies Poster, Kanha’s Bird Book, and Annual Report of Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation besides a publication on wildlife conservation. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri V.K. Ambade presented a report on the Wildlife Week organized from 1st to 7th October. Director Van Vihar, Shri Meena Awadhesh Kumar Shivkumar proposed the vote of thanks. Additional Chief Secretary of Forest Department, Shri Ashok Varnwal, Chief Conservator of Forest, Chief of Forest Force Shri Aseem Srivastava and Forest department officers and employees, people associated with wildlife conservation, school children, and their parents were present in the programme.