Wildlife Week 2026 Concludes at Gaiety Theatre

Shimla, October 8:The Wildlife Week-2026 celebrations organised by the Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department concluded at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla, on Thursday. Principal Secretary (Forests) M. Sudha Devi, IAS, presided over the closing ceremony.

The programme began with the inspection of an exhibition and lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Addressing the gathering, Sudha Devi reiterated the state government’s commitment to wildlife conservation and said Wildlife Week was an opportunity to strengthen collective efforts towards protecting wildlife and biodiversity.

Emphasising this year’s theme, “Conserving Wildlife Habitats, Sustaining Healthy Life and Livelihoods,” she said protected wildlife habitats were essential not only for wildlife but also for water security, the environment, health, agriculture, livelihoods and future generations.

During the ceremony, various books and publications were released and winners of competitions held during the week were felicitated. In the departmental wildlife photography competition, Forest Guard Akshay Bhardwaj secured first position, Forest Guard Vinkesh second, and Forest Range Officer Santosh Kumar Thakur third.

A skit titled “Jungle Se Insaan Tak” was also presented, highlighting the close relationship between forests, wildlife and human life.

Senior forest officials, departmental officers and employees, students and other dignitaries attended the concluding ceremony.