2K Run, awareness activities mark Wildlife Week celebrations

Several activities and programmes were conducted by Forest department staff to engage various stakeholders, including school children and local communities, across Markapuram, Prakasam and SPSR Nellore districts to mark National Wildlife Week from October 2-8.

Markapuram District Collector M. Vijaya Sunitha, MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy, and other Forest department officials flagged off a '2K Run' from the Forest Department office. Officials stated that the event aimed to raise awareness among the public and the youth about wildlife conservation.

Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) Markapur Division Deputy Director Mohammad Abdul Rawoof, along with Forest department officials, staff, and youth, participated in the event. On the occasion, he urged the public to become active participants in the conservation of forests.

NSTR Project Tiger Giddalur Division Deputy Director Nisha Kumari said, "As part of the Wildlife Week celebrations, multiple activities were conducted across different ranges of the division to create awareness among school-going children and local villagers."

"Awareness programmes were conducted at Zilla Parishad High Schools at Allinagaram, Kothakota Mallapuram, Pathamalapuram and Papinenipalli villages. Quiz, drawing and essay writing competitions were conducted by the staff and prizes were distributed to the winners," she informed.

"Large number of students enthusiastically participated and showcased their understanding of wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting natural habitats. The teachers extended their cooperation for the successful conduct of the programme," Ms. Nisha Kumari said.

"During the programme, the role of students in protecting forests and wildlife was explained in detail. The students were encouraged to become ambassadors of wildlife conservation and to spread awareness among their families and communities," she added.

Similarly in Nellore district, essay writing, elocution, and drawing competitions were organised for students at Viswam High School in Kaluvai section of Rapur Range, and prizes were distributed to the winners.

The students also participated in a rally with the theme "Protecting the forest means protecting nature". The event was attended by Rapur Forest Range Officer Jyothi Ananda, Kaluvai Deputy Range Officer M. Srinivasulu, and other staff.

On the occasion, the officials emphasised the vital need for public participation in wildlife conservation. They explained that protecting forests and wildlife was the responsibility of the public and highlighted the imporatnce of preserving the ecological balance by safeguarding wildlife habitats.

The officials noted that wildlife conservation would lay the foundation for a secure natural environment for future generations.