02/10/2025
Government of Jammu & Kashmir
Department of Wildlife Protection
Office Of the Wildlife Warden Central Division Srinagar
Celebration of Wildlife Week 2025
The much anticipated District Level Wildlife Week, 2025 was officially inaugurated under the able guidance and leadership of Mr. Sarvesh Rai, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife)/ Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, today at Nature Interpretation Centre Dachigam National Park Srinagar, highlighted the importance of preserving wildlife while fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
The event began with a warm welcome address by Mr. Parvez Ahmad Wani (DCF), Wildlife Warden Central Division Srinagar, who formally greeted the Chief Guest, Mr. Tawheed Ahmad Deva, IFS, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir and all the distinguished guests in attendance. Mr. Wani extended his gratitude to the staff members, faculties of schools, and students from various schools for their participation in this important week dedicated to wildlife conservation. He emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in promoting conservation awareness and underscored the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future for wildlife protection.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Tawheed Ahmad Deva IFS, Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, who delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the critical role of communities in conservation efforts and encouraged a collective approach to protection. He highlighted that understanding human-wildlife interactions is crucial for mitigating conflicts, advocating for education and awareness programs to shift perception about wildlife. Mr. Tawheed Ahmad Deva (IFS) stressed that addressing human-wildlife conflicts requires long-term solutions that support both biodiversity conservation and the livelihoods of local people. He also highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive census of key species such as Leopards and Himalayan Black Bears. He emphasized that accurate data on these species is crucial for effective management and protection strategies. Additionally, Mr. Tawheed Ahmad Deva (IFS) brought attention to the pressing issue of wild boars, which have become a growing concern due to their impact on local ecosystem and agricultural lands. He urged for immediate measures to mitigate these challenges. Mr Tawheed Ahmad Deva IFS , congratulated Field officers & officials of Dachigam National Park for their dedication, hardwork & sincerity which lead to Scoring Top Rank ( Ist Rank ) by Dachigam National Park among 438 National Parks & Sanctuaries evaluated recently by Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) New Delhi.
The event also saw valuable contributions from esteemed guests, including Mr. Nazir Be Nazir, Member Wildlife Advisory Board, UT of J&K and Mr. Nadeem Qadri, Member Amicus Curiae Hon’ble High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Miss Aaliya Mir Project Head Wildlife SOS who shared their insights on regional biodiversity and conservation priorities. As a mark of appreciation for invaluable contributions, certificates were distributed among Participant Students by the Chief Guest, and Wildlife Warden Central Division, Srinagar.
The event was attended by Chief Guest Mr. Tawheed Ahmad Deva, IFS, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir, Mr. Parvez Ahmad Wani, Wildlife Warden Central Division, Srinagar , distinguished Guests including Honble DDC Member Mr Ali Mohammad , Mr. Nazeer Be Nazir, Ex-Member of the Wildlife Advisory Board UT of J&K, Mr. Nadeem Qadri, Member Amicus Curiae, Hon’ble High Court of J&K and Ladakh. Representatives from renowned NGOs like Wildlife SOS, along with the dedicated staff of the J&K Wildlife Protection Department, Wildlife Mitras or Van Mitras, and students from Scholars School Dara , Famous Abhay School (New Theed), BHS Harwan , Girls High School New Theed and Govt. Middle School Shoperbagh made the occasion even more meaningful with their presence.
The program successfully concluded followed by vote of thanks.
Wildlife Week 2025 will feature a variety of activities aimed at educating the public, especially students, about the need to protect and preserve wildlife. These include quiz competition, painting competition, debate competition, cleanliness drives (Swachta Campaign in Protected Areas), Walkathon (Walk for Wildlife Conservation) and trekking events.
The week promises to inspire action and reinforce the message that every individual can contribute to wildlife conservation through small, thoughtful actions in daily life.
