Department of Forests and Wildlife today organized a one-day function on the occasion of World Wetlands Day.
Under the supervision of Dr Monika Yadav, Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Rupnagar, the department had invited participation from school students in Painting & Essay Writing competitions on specific topics related to wetlands. More than 70 entries were received in essay writing and 130 in paintings from students across the town. Palak Sharma won Essay Competition and Vishal Kumar and Komal Devi received 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
All winners of essay writing competition are from Govt. Special High School. In painting competition, Vanshika Thakur of BBMB DAV Public School achieved 1st position, Simar Sikka of BBMB DAV Public School achieved 2nd place and Ram Sarovar of Govt. Special High School achieved 3rd position.
Dr. Monika Yadav, Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Rupnagar said that water and wetlands are one of the most important elements on earth and students need to know importance of wetlands. Nangal is an internationally recognized Ramsar Wetland and hence makes a great place to celebrate the occasion here. During the event, students were taken for bird watching where celebrated nature enthusiasts, photographers and guides conducted the walks. In these walks, various species of migratory as well as native birds were shown to the students.
Basanta Raj, Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Punjab was chief guest at the function. He said that students are the future of the nation and it is our responsibility to pass on the sentiment of nature love and this occasion acted as right platform.
Various workshops were also conducted wherein students were taught about aspects of nature like birds and their habitats, rescue and rehabilitation of animals, range and species of various birds. Dr Monika Yadav, Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Rupnagar thanked the volunteers and schools who participated in the event just for the love of nature.