Cycle rally marks World Wildlife Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 03 2015 :
Director, Manipur Zoological Garden, Government of Manipur along with People For Animals jointly organized a cycle rally in connection with the World Wildlife Day celebration today.
The second edition of the cycle rally was flagged off by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Bala Prasad from the office complex of the Forest Department located at Sanjenthong, in the presence of Addl.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest/Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden PN Prasad.
Altogether 200 cyclists comprising of school students, sports persons and other enthusiasts participated in the cycle rally.
Placards which read as 'wildlife are friends, not foods' 'burn forest, burn future', 'shoot us with cameras not with guns' etc.
were put on display to give a message to the whole State that mankind cannot survive without wildlife.
The rally started from Sanjenthong and went on towards the Assembly road and went all the way towards Manipur Zoological Garden.
Commenting on the second edition of the cycle rally, PN Prasad said "We need to understand the basic concept of what natural resources mean.
The varied flora and fauna of Manipur is a God given gift to the State but we are destroying it at every level" .
Till today many people indulge in hunting and lumbering activities which need to be stopped at any cost.
They may hunt the animals for their meat or cut down trees to earn a few hundred rupees but the effect of such activities will be catastrophic in the future, he added.
Prasad further said that there are huge demands of wildlife products from the neighbouring countries, but as responsible citizens of the State and country all citizens must conserve wildlife and try to protect environment.
He urged the hill dwellers of Manipur who are indulging in hunting and lumbering activities not to kill wild animals and preserve the rich forest resources.
The message to conserve and preserve wildlife and the environment can be spread through cycle rallies and other such public events, he exuded.
He added that the State police and other paramilitary personnel along with various civil society organizations have been helping the department in curbing illegal activities of trading wildlife products.
He also conveyed his gratitude for their cooperation.
Chief Medical Officer, Imphal East provided the necessary medical care facility for the cyclists who took part in the cycle rally today.