Bhopal:Wednesday, October 1, 2008: Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has said that school students will be given free entry in the National Parks in Madhya Pradesh. Inaugurating the Wildlife Week at a simple function at the Van Vihar National Park, the Forest Minister said that several competitions are being held during the week with a view to making the young generation aware of need and importance of conserving forests and wildlife.
Minister of State for Forests Shri Narayan Singh Kushwaha also addressed the students on the occasion.The Forest Minister said that painting is the art of expressing one’s heart out and hoped that participating students will be able to send the message of wildlife and forest conservation more effectively through their paintings. He said that the students standing first, second and third in the painting contests, along with two teachers, will be taken to the tour of National Parks in the state free of cost. He said that during the Wildlife Week, BPL card holders will be given free entry into National Parks. He urged the students to welcome their guests with plants instead of flowers. He said that plants inspire others to live.
Minister of State for Forests Shri Narayan Kushwaha said, ‘our life is incomplete without plants and flowers. Therefore, we should all strive to conserve flora and fauna. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. P.B. Gangopadhaya said that through the Wildlife Week, efforts are being made to seek cooperation of various sections of society in the conservation of forests and wildlife.
Earlier, the guests inaugurated the function by lighting a traditional lamp. The message of Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on the occasion of Wildlife Protection Week was read out by a girl student. Chief Wildlife Warden Dr. H. S. Pabla proposed a vote of thanks while Assistant Director Van Vihar Shri A.K. Khare conducted the proceedings. Those present on the occasion included member of Narmada Valley Development Authority Shri R.S. Negi, senior forest officers, students, teachers and parents.
Programmes on October 2, 2008
Bird watching camp at Van Vihar National Park from 6 to 8 am for students and teachers, photography workshop for school and college students from 10 am, essay competitions on wildlife and environmental protection for students of class V to VIII and from IX to XII from 10 am to 12 noon.