Forests, wildlife vital to life: Minister

Wildlife Week celebrations launched at Shendurney sanctuary in Kollam

A male Nilgiri gaur at the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary spotted by visitors who were taken on a boat ride through the reservoir of the Thenmala dam soon after the launch of the State-level Wildlife Week celebrations on Monday.

This year’s Wildlife Week celebrations in the State was launched by Minister for Forests K. Raju at the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam district on Monday.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Raju said that for the existence of life on earth, forests and wildlife need to be protected.

“If man learns to live in harmony with nature, most of the environment problems we face today will be solved. That the younger generation is aware of this provides hope to look forward to better days in the future.

Minister for Fisheries J. Mercykutty Amma, who presided over the function, said Indian cultural traditions speak of a life that does not exploit nature to abusing levels. The government is engaged in programmes to revive that cultural tradition, she said.

At the function, Mr. Raju distributed cash awards to forest officers who were selected for this year’s Chief Minister’s Forest Medals. K. Somaprasad, MP, delivered the keynote address and district panchayat president K. Jagadamma launched a book on the biodiversity of the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.