SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 4: Forest officials, experts, faculty members, and conservationists stressed the urgent need for collective action for wildlife protection and ecological stewardship during the World Wildlife Conservation Day celebration at IIT ISM Dhanbad.
The Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, IIT (ISM) organized the programme to mark World Wildlife Conservation Day.
Dignitaries Highlight Conservation Challenges
Paritosh Upadhyay (IFS), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Jharkhand, was the chief guest.
R. Thanga Pandian (IFS), Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Bokaro, and Vikas Paliwal, District Forest Officer, Dhanbad, were the guests of honour.
All three dignitaries spoke about major conservation challenges in Jharkhand and stressed the importance of habitat protection, community involvement, and scientific approaches to safeguarding biodiversity.
A National-level Drawing Competition was also organized.
The chief guest presented certificates to the winners and all participants.
Presence of Senior IIT ISM Officials
Senior institute officials including Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT(ISM); Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director; Prof. Alok Sinha, HoD, Department of ESE & Coordinator, EIACP Centre; and Prof. Suresh Pandian, Co-coordinator, EIACP Centre, were also present.
They encouraged students and participants to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to conservation through research, innovation, and community engagement.
Call for Collective Efforts
Speakers emphasized that India’s rich biodiversity can be protected only through collective action, informed policy, and awareness-driven initiatives.
Officials said the celebration reinforced IIT(ISM)’s commitment to environmental education, outreach, and scientific contributions in wildlife and ecosystem conservation.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge by participants to work towards protecting wildlife and natural habitats, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.