Kangra : The H.P. Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE) organized State level function ‘World Wetlands Day-2018’ at Mini secretariat Jwali (Pong wetland) in district Kangra (H.P.) today on 2nd Feb, 2018 in collaboration with Department of Forest, Education, Tourism, Fisheries and district administration. Jai Ram Thakur, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh was the Chief Guest on this occasion. The theme of World wetland day 2018 is “Wetlands for sustainable urban future”. The day is celebrated internationally each year on 2nd February and marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on wetlands of international importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar City, Iran on 2nd February, 1971.
World wetland day was first celebrated in 1997. Since then government agencies, non government organizations and community groups have celebrated this day by undertaking actions to raise public awareness of wetland values, benefits and promote the conservation and wide use of wetlands. Activities include seminars, nature walks and festivals, announcement of new Ramsar sites, newspaper articles, radio interviews and wetland rehabilitation.
Wetlands provide enormous benefits to society including: freshwater, purifying and filtering harmful wastes from water; a source of foods, act as buffer for extreme events and help reduce risks from flooding & drought; help combat climate change through providing protection from extreme weather events; as a source of livelihood s for countless number of people.; as well as supporting a vast array of biodiversity.
Himachal Pradesh encompasses a wide variety of wetlands, spreads in various ecological zones which are the source of livelihood for the local community and have immense aesthetic & tourism values. Presently, the State has three “Ramsar sites- Wetlands of International Importance” namely Pong dam (Kangra), Renuka (Sirmaur) and Chandertal (L& Spiti). Besides, Rewalsar (Mandi) and Khajjiar (Chamba) have also been included by the Ministry of Environment & Forest & Climate Change, GoI for its conservation and management.
The main function on 2nd February,2018 at 10.30am held in Mini secretariat, Jwali in Kangra (Pong wetland), District Kangra where students from different schools and district administration participated. Painting competition, nature walk by students, Bird watching etc. was conducted on February 1, 2018 at GSSS Goglara. Manisha Nanda, Additional Chief Secretary (Environment, Science & Technology) to the Govt of Himachal Pradesh briefed about the world wetlands day and its conservation & management programme on today on 2nd February,2018. Vipin Singh Parmar, Health& Family Welfare, Env. S&T Minister, Bikram Singh, Industry Minister, Arjun Singh, MLA, Jwali and MLA Smt. Reeta Devi were the special guests. Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh gave away the prizes today on 2nd Feb,2018 to the winners. Kunal Satyarthi, Member Secretary HIMCOSTE welcomed the Hon’ble Chief Minister.
WINNERS: Bird Watching-
- First prize Shamsher, Class +1, GSSS Sakri
- Second prize- Deepali, +2 Class GSSS Sakri
- 3rd- Anshika,+2 GSSS Barial
Consolation – Aman Saroch, +2 GSSS Amlela.
Painting Competition Junior Category:
- First Prize, Shagun Bharti, 7th Class DAV Sr. Sec. School, Nagrota Surian
- Second Prize, Rohit Kumar, 8th Class GSSS, Harsar
- Third Prize, Payal Saroj, 8th Class GSSS, Nagrota Surian
- Fourth/Consolation Prize, Kashish, 7th Class DAV School, Nagrota Surian
- Painting Competition Senior Category:
- First Prize: Sakshi Kaundal, 12th Class GSSS, Jawali
- Second Prize: Aashtha ,9th Class GSSS, Chandua
- Third Prize: Vandna, 10th Class Shivalik Public High School, Nagrota Surian
- Fourth/Consolation Prize, Vishakha, 12th Class GSSS Paloura
