Wildlife Week Celebrated at Government Secondary School, Chaura Maidan, Shimla

The Himachal Pradesh EIACP PC Hub, HPSCOST Shimla, organized a Wildlife Week event at Government Secondary School, Chaura Maidan, Shimla on October 8. Wildlife Week is celebrated every year from October 2-8 across India to raise awareness about wildlife protection. Wildlife plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the smooth functioning of natural processes.

Six schools from Shimla, including Government Senior Secondary Schools (Balu Ganj, Summer Hill, Fagli, Annadel, and Tutu) participated in the event. The chief guest of the occasion was Mrs. Jyotika Negi, the school principal. In her address, Mrs. Negi emphasized the importance of protecting not only forests but also the wildlife inhabiting them, highlighting the adverse effects of human greed leading to deforestation and habitat destruction.

Mr. Pankaj Sharma, District Science Supervisor, Shimla, also addressed the students, stressing the importance of wildlife conservation for future generations to experience species like lions and peacocks in their natural habitats rather than through textbooks.

Mrs. Priyanka Sharma, Coordinator of EIACP PC Hub, HPSCOST Shimla, noted that the program was held under the Mission LIFE initiative. She explained the threats facing biodiversity and emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation for maintaining environmental balance.

As part of the celebration, students were given a tour of the Himalayan Bird Park, Chaura Maidan, to acquaint them with various bird species. Additionally, speech and art competitions were organized, in which six schools participated. Prisha from GSSS Tutu secured first place in the speech competition, followed by Sneha (GSSS Annadel) and Tejal (GSSS Fagli). In the art competition, Khayali Sharma from HPU Model School won first place, followed by GSS Chaura Maidan and Ruhi from GSSS Tutu.

The winners were honored with awards. Attendees included Mrs. Priyanka Sharma, Mr. Pankaj Sharma, Mr. Ajay Panwar, Dr. Ritvik Chauhan, and Mrs. Jaipriya Verma.