Photo Source: Babushahi Network
Banwarilal Purohit inaugurates Nature Interpretation Centre at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
Harshabab Sidhu
Chandigarh, May 11, 2022:
UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit inaugurated the Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) on Wednesday here in the Kansal forest area at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary in the presence of MP Kirron Kher, Member of Parliament, and Adviser Dharam Pal. The Dignitaries also planted saplings on the premises along with other Senior Officers.
The Department of Forests & Wildlife, UT Chandigarh has developed a Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) in the Kansal forests area at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh. The Nature Interpretation Center in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary has been established to meet the general curiosity of visitors on the subject of wildlife apart from imparting knowledge and information source of nature education. The visitors can visit the NIC at Kansal after obtaining the necessary permission (Permit) from Forest Department, Chandigarh Administration, Paryavaran Bhawan (2nd Floor), Sector 19B, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh. There are a number of segments which are represented in the NIC, some of which are as under:-
Depiction of the catchment of Sukhna and effect of various soil & moisture conservation works.
3D models of certain herbivores and other mammals.
Posters on Birds, Butterflies, Reptiles and different faunal species of Chandigarh.
Display of floral diversity i.e. placing trees sections of indigenous trees by showcasing annual rings
Posters of Medicinal Plants of Chandigarh.
Display of threats to the wildlife and forest areas.
Interactive activities for the kids.
External sections to potentially engage students in learning through demonstrations etc.
After the inauguration, the Chief Guest visited the various sections of NIC and appreciated the efforts made by Forest Department, Chandigarh.
He further added that the NIC will help to draw the attention of nature lovers and environmentalists toward Chandigarh’s premier nature-centric place. He also visited Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary where a lot of soil and moisture activities have been undertaken by the Forest Department to conserve soil and water in the Catchment of Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh.
He further stated that the Forest Department, Chandigarh has done a lot of soil and moisture conservation activities inside Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary which in turn helps in checking of silt flowing into Sukhna Lake. The same has also been showcased in the NIC which is going to be very educative for the visitors.
Kirron Kher also applauded the efforts of the Department for taking initiatives towards nature and imparting its true knowledge amongst people, especially young minds.
Speaking on the occasion, Dharam Pal, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator appreciated the action and efforts of the Forest Department, Chandigarh in checking the siltation of Sukhna Lake. Nitin Kumar Yadav, IAS, Secretary (Forests), Chandigarh complemented the Department for creating this wonderful NIC, which is very informative and educative.
Debendra Dalai, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Chandigarh informed that Forest Department has established Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) in Kansal forests at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh. The NIC showcases the dynamic biodiversity of Chandigarh Forests and variety of flora that supports its rich wildlife. It is a genuine endeavour to give its visitors an enriching experience and kindle the affection and concern towards Mother Nature and the environment at large.
The function was also attended by Praveer Ranjan, IPS, Director General of Police, Dr Vijay Namdeorao Zade, IAS Finance Secretary, Vinay Pratap Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Dr Abdul Qayum, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests and other officers of Chandigarh Administration.