A variety of events were organized with dignity and enthusiasm on Wednesday, October 7, to mark the conclusion of Wildlife Week 2026 at Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal. The primary objective of the program was to raise public awareness regarding the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity, foster sensitivity towards nature, and encourage public participation in wildlife conservation.
In his address, Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation, highlighted the importance of secure forests, thriving wildlife, empowered communities, and scientific forest management. He emphasized the need for public participation in wildlife conservation, noting that protecting wildlife and biodiversity is not solely the responsibility of the Forest Department but a collective duty of every section of society. Forests and wildlife are vital to human life, and wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
On this occasion, Shri Vijay Kumar, Director of Van Vihar National Park, delivered the welcome address and provided details about the various activities and programs conducted during Wildlife Week 2026. The guests, officials, staff, and participants present at the event took a pledge to fulfill their responsibilities towards wildlife and environmental conservation and to remain ever-vigilant in protecting forests and wildlife. The attendees resolved to actively participate in the conservation of nature, wildlife, and biodiversity.
The poster for the Bhopal Bird Festival 2027 was also unveiled during the event. This festival is being organized by the ‘Bhopal Birds’ organization in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh State Biodiversity Board and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. The unveiling of the poster served to convey a message encouraging the appreciation of Bhopal’s rich avian diversity, bird conservation efforts, and citizen participation.
Additionally, a poster titled “Birds: Calls of Van Vihar National Park” was released. This poster has been prepared by Bhopal Birds and Van Vihar National Park. It aims to raise public awareness about the diversity of bird species found in Van Vihar National Park and their distinctive calls.
Participants who excelled in the various activities and competitions held during Wildlife Week were awarded prizes. Additionally, staff members of Van Vihar National Park were honored for their outstanding performance of duties and remarkable contributions to wildlife conservation, management, and public awareness.
Present on the occasion were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Production) Smt. Bindu Sharma; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Development) Shri Annigeri; Member Secretary, M.P. State Biodiversity Board, Shri Sudeep Singh; Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Project) Shri M.L. Meena; Managing Director, M.P. State Minor Forest Produce Federation, Smt. Kamalika Mohanta; Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Administration-2) Shri Ajay Kumar Yadav; Conservator of Forests (Bhopal Circle) Shri Kshitij Kumar; and Divisional Forest Officer (Bhopal Division) Shri Lokpriya Bharti, along with other Forest Department officials and staff. Wildlife enthusiasts, nature and bird experts, competition participants, and other guests were also in attendance.
