 Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 4: The Department of Wildlife Protection, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in association with The Art of Living, MOBE, JR Mills and By the Mountain, organised a “Heritage Walk for Wildlife” along the scenic Manda Trail of Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary today, as part of the National Wildlife Week 2026 celebrations. Themed “Walk for Wildlife – Walk for a Drug-Free Life,” the walk drew around 500 participants, including youngsters, wildlife enthusiasts, academicians, researchers and representatives of various departments. It aimed to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, biodiversity and the protection of natural habitats, while also spreading the message of a drug-free society. The programme began with a wildlife pledge taken by all participants at Hari Niwas Palace, Manda Hills, Jammu. The walk then proceeded along the trail to Kamala Top (Dhok) in Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary. Participants returned along the sanctuary trails and gathered at the Wildlife Complex, Manda Hills, where refreshments were served. A quiz competition with basic questions pertaining to the trail was also held there, and prizes were distributed to the winners. The programme concluded with a closing ceremony.
Ms. Sheetal Nanda, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment, J&K, was the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, she said the walk is one of several events being held across the UT on the eve of National Wildlife Week 2026. She added that the Heritage Trail aims to reach people of all age groups and sensitise them to wildlife through a first-hand wilderness experience. Dr. Suneesh Buxi, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, said that Wildlife Week 2026 is being celebrated with the theme “Connecting Habitat and Thriving Wildlife.” He said the event connects citizens with wildlife through actual experience in the wild, and added that public involvement is very important for the conservation of forests and wildlife, with events like this being the best example.
Sh. Sandeep Kumar, IFS, Regional Wildlife Warden, said the event was organised in recognition of the importance of public education and sensitisation in wildlife conservation. He stressed that youth need to be oriented towards nature and wildlife, while also being guided away from the drug menace.
Carrying the message of “Walk for Wildlife, Walk for a Drug-Free Life,” the event underlined the need to strengthen the bond between people, nature and wildlife for a sustainable future, and gave participants a chance to experience the natural and ecological richness of the Manda landscape.
Among those present were:
Sh. Sarvesh Rai, IFS, PCCF & HoFF, J&K Forest Department
Sh. Vasu Yadav, IFS, Chairman, PCC J&K
Dr. K. Anand, IFS, MD, JKFDCL
Dr. V. Senthil, IFS, CCF Jammu
Sh. Roshan Jaggi, Retd. PCCF, J&K
Sh. Ravi Kesar, Retd. PCCF, J&K |
