Chandigarh, February 2: Today to celebrate the World Wetland Day, Department of Forests, and Chandigarh Administration organized a function in collaboration with Department of Science & Technology, Education Department and an NGO-Yuvsatta at Sukhna Lake.
Shri D.K.Tiwari, IAS, Secretary, Forests & Wildlife was the chief guest on this occasion. Chief Guest released a brochure on migratory birds of Sukhna Lake, which contains details of Birds, their habitat, Migration, Birding tips along with pictures of the migratory & resident birds of Sukhna Lake. Brochure also provides the details of facilities provided by the forest department for bird watching at the lake. Around 100 students of Government Model Sr. Sec. School, Sector 46 D & Government Sr. Sec. School, Sector 37 C along with volunteers of Yuvsatta participated in the celebration.
Welcoming the Chief Guest Santosh Kumar, Conservator of Forest (CF) and Director, Department of Environment and Science & Technology said that every year migratory birds flock Sukhna lake– thousands of these winged guests start arriving at the Sukhna Lake in winters.Prominient species which may be seen are Bareheaded Goose, Brahmy Duck, Common Coot, Grey & Purple Herone, Mallard, Pochard etc. He also informed that, the bird watching programme, for the school students, is being organized in collaboration with Science & Technology department. During this campaign, a total of 1000 students will be sensitized for protection and conservation of the birds and its habitat.
Addressing the students Shri DK Tiwari emphasized the importance and rich biodiversity of the wetland and need for protection and conservation of this valuable ecosystem. He administered a Pledge to students for conservation of nature & natural resources in general and that of wetlands in particular by following /adopting sustainable way of life.
Among other dignitaries, the function was by Saurabh Kumar, IFS, DCF(WL) , Kuldeep, IFS, P.J.S Dadwal, Additional Director (S & T) & Pramod Sharma, Coordinator, Yuvsatta.