A foot march in Chitradurga raised public awareness on the importance of forest and wildlife conservation during the 71st Wildlife Week 2025.
Chitradurga
Everyone must take care of the environment, nature, forests, and wildlife by following the rules of nature, keeping the future in mind, said Deputy Sub-Divisional Officer Mahebub Jilani Qureshi.
On Wednesday, at the premises of the District Commissioner’s office in the city, the Karnataka Forest Department, Chitradurga District Division, in collaboration with the Environment and Wildlife Conservation Forum and various schools and colleges, organized a foot march for wildlife conservation as part of the 71st Wildlife Week 2025. The march was aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation under the theme “Coexisting with Wildlife.”
Speaking at the event, the DSO advised that instead of throwing seeds into trash after eating fruits at home, they should be placed in forests to provide food for wildlife. He emphasized that Wildlife Week should inspire students to remain conscious and make continuous efforts for the survival of forests and wildlife. The foot march helps create public awareness about forest, environment, and wildlife conservation. He further added that without forests, global temperatures would rise and wildlife, including birds, would be destroyed.
Divisional Forest Officer Vasanth Kumar said that humans must learn to coexist with forests and wildlife, as this balance is essential for maintaining ecological harmony. He emphasized that protecting forests and wildlife is crucial for a better future.
State President of the Environment and Wildlife Conservation Forum, Malatesh Aras, highlighted that only by coexisting with wildlife can nature and the environment be preserved. He urged people to prioritize wildlife conservation through the protection of plants and animals without causing harm to forests. Every animal and bird indirectly benefits humans and must be protected. He called upon everyone to support such awareness programs organized by the Forest Department.
The Wildlife Week foot march began at the District Commissioner’s office, proceeded via Ambedkar Circle and Kittur Rani Chennamma Circle along the main roads, and concluded with a meeting at the Tourist Mantapa. Hundreds of students held various awareness placards on forest and wildlife conservation, educating citizens. At the Tourist Mantapa, Snake Shivu demonstrated snakes to raise awareness.
The event was attended by School Education Department Deputy Director Manjunath, Tahsildar Govind Raj, TAMP EO Ravikumar, BEO Girija, Deputy Divisional Forest Officer Ramdas Chavhan, Dadapeer, Rashmi, Beat Forester Santosh Kumar, C. Meghana, H.T. Prabhu Shankar, Chand Fulton, Kanumappa, Forest Inspector Kanakappa, and other forest staff.