Paul: People’s help needed in wildlife conservation

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 7

Governor KK Paul has stressed the need for people’s participation in the conservation and enhancement of wildlife in the state.

Paul, while addressing a gathering at the closing function of the Wildlife Week celebrations at Raj Bhavan here today, said new scientific techniques and laws could help in preserving the wildlife wealth.

He added basic needs such as health, education and safety of people living in the remote areas and near the protected areas must be looked after so that they did not remain indifferent towards wildlife protection.

Paul said communities living near protected areas should be given the top priority as far as compensation was concerned for various risks they had to bear.

He said, “If the earth has to be safe, individual and collective efforts are needed to keep the wildlife safe. If these efforts are not made, we will not be able to protect the wildlife as a heritage for posterity.”

He said Uttarakhand was facing the challenge of worldwide illegal wildlife trade. Tiger bones and skin, elephant tusks, musk, snake skin and rare medicinal and aromatic plants were always in demand in the state and in other countries. There should be a stringent check on such illegal trade, he added.

Paul said forests should be linked to tourism. Tourists and filmmakers could be drawn towards the forests.

He said it was a matter of pride for the state that the Rajaji Tiger Reserve was declared the 47th Tiger Reserve in the country and the second tiger reserve in the state in April. The Corbett National Park has the distinction of being the first tiger reserve in the Indian sub-continent. Similarly, the higher reaches of the state have always attracted mountaineers and nature lovers due to their rich wildlife biodiversity.

Paul appreciated the wildlife related exhibition organised on the occasion and said Uttarakhand was a treasure house of biodiversity and had an abundance of wildlife.

He awarded certificates to students of various schools for winning debate, painting and essay writing contests held as part of the wildlife week. Railway Loco pilots, forest guards and social workers were honoured with certificates .

Forest Minister Dinesh Aggarwal said reducing the man-animal conflict was a challenge. He stressed the need for afforestation and said it would have to be ensured that wild animals get their food and water in the forests.

He said the Forest Department must focus on eco-tourism. Principal Conservator of Forests Rajendra Kumar and several senior officials were present