- Be Vigilant for Nature Conservation along with Development
- Governor Shri Patel Attends State-level Wildlife Week Closing Ceremony
- Governor Shri Patel Awards 34 participants
Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that forests and wildlife are backbone of our ecosystem, and their existence is directly linked with the balanced state of our forests, rivers and climate. He said it is a matter of pride that today our younger generation is also showing interest in wildlife conservation and actively participating. He said balanced development is the need of the time. He explained the importance of small efforts in environmental protection by citing the example of a school in Kutch with 400 students where a teacher couple built a boundary wall of trees together with the children. Children were made partners and planted saplings together. Every child regularly took care of the plants. Children would bring leftover water from washing fruits and vegetables at home to water the plants the next day. In just four years, a large boundary wall of the school was completed through small contributions. He also mentioned that he holds the record of serving as Forest Minister in Gujarat for 18 years. As the state Governor, he has also been participating continuously in the closing ceremonies for the past 4 years. He appreciated the theme of Wildlife Week “From Conservation to Coexistence” for sending a message of participation beyond traditional wildlife conservation thinking. He congratulated Forest Department, environmentalists and NGOs for their efforts to provide environmental education to rural areas, schools, and various communities.
During the programme, the annual report 2024-25 of Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Society, biodiversity board lapel pin box, first Bhopal Bird Festival poster, Grasses of Satpura from Satpura Tiger Reserve Narmadapuram, and Madhya Pradesh bird field guide publications by Bhopal Birds, were released. Governor awarded security personnel Shri Ganesh Ram, forest guards Shri Sachin Parsai, Shri Kamlesh Chaturvedi, and Smt. Kriti Jain for commendable contributions in forest management and wildlife protection. In painting competitions across five categories and two photography categories, along with mehendi, palm painting, toddler walk, and face painting competitions — totalling seven competitions — 34 winners were awarded.
Minister of State Shri Dilip Ahirwar said that biodiversity and wildlife conservation is protection of humanity. He appealed that people should regard trees and animals with respect and take a pledge not to do anything harmful to them. The state government is working rapidly in this direction under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. With the blessing of Prime Minister Shri Modi, the number of cheetahs has now increased to 27. The state has also released cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. Broad-level efforts are being made in the state for wildlife conservation. New tiger reserves, eco-tourism, and rescue squads for straying animals have been established. MLA Shri Bhagwan Das Sabnani congratulated the participants, organizers and Forest Department for efforts to create public interest in wildlife.
At the beginning of the programme, the Governor was welcomed by presenting a Tulsi plant and a memento. Principal Chief Wildlife Warden Shri Shubh Ranjan Sen gave details of activities conducted during the week. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the e-vehicle service during the week’s opening programme. The vote of thanks was given by Shri Vijay Kumar, Director, National Park Zoo Bhopal. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri V.N. Ambade and Managing Director, Forest Development Corporation Shri H.U. Khan were also present.
