(Tribune)
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday stressed the need for conservation of endangered animal and bird species. At the concluding ceremony of the Wildlife Week here, Thakur said even in the mythology, the wildlife was given utmost importance. Birds, animals and snakes used to be worshipped back then.
He appreciated the wildlife wing of the Forest Department for its efforts to conserve cheer pheasant. “Stress should be on the conservation of endangered species,” the Chief Minister said. This year’s theme of the Wildlife Week was snow leopard, the state animal of Himachal.
The Chief Minister unveiled a souvenir on the occasion and announced Rs5,100 each to students of two local government schools for presenting skits. Prizes were given to the winners of various events.Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said: “It is the duty of each one of us to conserve the wildlife, which is under threat due to excessive interference of humans.”
