SHILLONG: 42 citizens who had helped in rescuing wild animals were felicitated with certificates and prizes during the valedictory function of the Wildlife Week Celebration, held at U Soso Tham Auditorium here on Monday.
The animals rescued included Common Owlet, Slow Loris, Rhesus Macaque, Leopard Cat, Pangolin, Brown Fish Owl, Pond Heron, Kneeled Box Turtle, Fruit Bat, Barking Deer, Flying Squirrel, Ferret Badger, Serpent Eagle and Indian Python.
Chief Secretary P.B.O. Warjri, who graced the function as the chief guest, highlighted the importance of the environment for survival of human beings and also spoke on the need to understand the value of preserving the environment and enriching it further for future generations.
He said that it was illegal to kill any wildlife and added that the Government of India has prohibited hunting of animals.
He also explained about the significance of the food chain and interdependence of all forms of life consisting of plants, animals, birds and even insects which help each other to survive and urged the people to protect and preserve the wildlife of the area.
Prof. R.N.K. Hooroo, Dept. of Zoology, NEHU, spoke about the importance of wildlife and bio-diversity in the region. She also explained that several factors like hunting, forest fire, deforestation and pollution poses a threat to wildlife and biodiversity.
She spoke about the conservation strategy of wildlife and called upon the people to preserve various hotspot biodiversity of the North East region.
Prizes were given to 25 department staff for their performance in detecting wildlife cases under Khasi Hills Division.
Altogether 40 schools and colleges from East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi and South West Khasi Hills districts, including the differently-able and under-privileged students, participated in the Sit and Draw Competition, Drawing and Painting Competition and Essay Writing Competitions held during the Wildlife Week celebration.
It was a special occasion for representative and office bearers of the Ri-Bhoi Wildlife and Environment Protection Society (Ri Bhoi WEPS) which was awarded for rendering the best service in protection and conservation of environment and wildlife.
Ri Bhoi WEPS general secretary Thom Lyngdoh said that it was a happy moment for the organization and its members on being recognized by the State Government for its service and dedication towards the environment and wildlife.
Another special moment of the award ceremony was the announcement of prizes to three children from Shishu Shiksha Ghar – Children’s Home of Learning. Aditya Tamuli and Phulmaya Rizel from SSG Rangmen Centre were awarded first and second prize respectively while Shankar Thapa from SSG Anjali Centre was conferred a special prize in the various competitions held during the Wildlife Week celebration.
