Kashmir celebrates wildlife protection week

Taking forward its initiative to conserve the wildlife and check environmental degradation, Jammu and Kashmir is organising Wildlife Protection Week.

Srinagar, Oct 6 : Taking forward its initiative to conserve the wildlife and check environmental degradation, Jammu and Kashmir is organising "Wildlife Protection Week".

The weeklong celebrations, organised by the State's Department of Wildlife, kicked off at a special inaugural function on October 2 and will culminate on Monday.

Officials say this is a big step towards educating people about wildlife conservation.

"Our efforts directed towards the conservation of wildlife include notification of wetlands and national parks. Besides this, there are (awareness) programmes for conservation of wildlife, forest conservation and afforestation," said Ajaz Ahmad Khan, J-K Minister of Agriculture and Forests.

The State is endowed with a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Maria Rafiqui, a student, said: "At the awareness programme we got to know so much about the wildlife and how to conserve it. For example, we got to know about Marco. It is an animal found in our Valley and is in danger of extinction."

Some of the students have already formulated strategies to preserve the bounty found in the wild.

"I have planned a strategy on how to conserve the wildlife and I would like to implement this soon," said Imran, a student.

Several national parks and sanctuaries have been established in the State to conserve endangered species of animals and plants.

ANI