Srinagar, 7th October 2023: Highlighting this year’s Wildlife Week theme— “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation,” a walkathon was organised in which approximately 3000 individuals, including students, actively participated.
The ‘Walk For Wild’ Walkathon was organised by the Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India, Astral Foundation and several other institutions and organisations such as the Forest Department, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Directorate of School Education, Kashmir, JKDMA, Universities, Wildlife SOS and Wildlife Conservation Fund.
The Hon’ble Lt. Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha flagged off the walkathon in the presence of Mr. Aftab Malik, Chairman, DDC Srinagar, Mr. A.K. Choudhary IPS, Special DG Crime, Mr. Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt. Governor, Mr. Roshan Jaggi, IFS, PCCF & HoFF, J&K along with senior officers and community members. The 5 km walkathon, commencing from the Police Golf Course and culminating at Nishat, aimed to amplify awareness regarding pressing conservation issues, with a special focus on involving the youth actively in wildlife conservation efforts.
Kashmir, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, is home to a rich array of flora and fauna. The marathon highlighted endemic species like the Hangul, Himalayan brown bear (Wazul haput), Markhor (Keel bakra), Hangul and Black-necked crane (Trung Trung Karmu) through the representation of mascots. This walkathon was a significant step towards nurturing a deeper sense of responsibility and care for the region’s invaluable natural heritage.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, said, “Kashmir is home to an amazing diversity of wildlife and wild spaces. From RAMSAR sites like the Hokesar to the alpine wilderness of the Kazinag, we are blessed with species that make Kashmir, the ‘heaven on Earth’. It is our duty to work towards protecting the same and ensure that our precious wildlife is safe. On the occasion of the 67th National Wildlife Week, I urge the youth of Kashmir to come forward and contribute towards the cause, in whatever capacity they can.”
Tanushree Srivastava, head of Wildlife Trust of India’s Mountain Ungulate Project said, “We hope this initiative has been able to help people grow more informed, motivated, and drawn towards the cause of environmental and wildlife protection.” WTI has been working with members of the community, mostly youth, to mobilise conservation efforts across the PAs of Hirpora and Kazinag.
For more information, contact Arinita Ph. 9582490170— email: media@wti.org.in
Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is a conservation organisation established in 1998 with a mission to conserve nature, especially endangered species and threatened habitats, in partnership with communities and governments.
In its 25 years of operations, WTI has saved more than 42,000 animal lives, trained and equipped 20,000 frontline forest staff, and assisted the govt. in creating 7 Protected Areas, sensitised 25 lakh children to conservation, protected almost 1200 sq km of natural habitat including mangroves and coral reefs and assisted enforcement agencies in combating wildlife crimes.
