Ranchi: The week-long 72nd Wildlife Week celebrations concluded on Wednesday with forest officials urging schools to establish eco clubs and calling for greater public participation in wildlife conservation.Addressing the closing ceremony, principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) Sanjeev Kumar stressed the need for schools to form eco clubs and hold regular discussions on protecting the state’s natural heritage. He also expressed concern over the declining sightings of butterflies and sparrows, highlighting their ecological importance.Chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Natasha said the programme was aimed at taking the conservation message to students and local communities across the state through outreach activities at district, block and panchayat levels. “If humans want to survive, protecting forests, wildlife and the environment is essential,” he said.Wildlife warden Ravi Ranjan said conservation should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of forest officials and urged people to value and protect all forms of wildlife. On human-wildlife conflict, he stressed the need to safeguard habitats, noting that wildlife does not recognise human-made boundaries.The event also featured prize distribution for photography and painting competitions and an exhibition of winning entries. Students and young photographers said the celebrations helped deepen their interest in wildlife, conservation and nature photography.
