Nagpur: The Wildlife Week 2017 turned out to be a low-key affair on the first day as only a handful of state's forest department employees and a few individuals from NGOs participated in the bird watching session held on Sunday early morning. The inauguration ceremony of the seven-day programme was later held at Van Sabhagruha, Seminary Hills.
Honorary wildlife warden Kundan Hate told TOI that only around 15 officials participated in bird watching session held at Japanese Garden and a few more, along with some NGOs, visited Ambazari Garden. Officials claimed that some of the newer species spotted at both locations included rose finch, red crested bunting and grass bird.
Hate said, "For the officials present at Japanese Garden, it was the first experience in bird watching. Experienced officials and some regular bird watchers were present for the session at Ambazari."
The bird watching event was scheduled between 6am and 10am, at both locations. When TOI visited Japanese Garden at the scheduled time, no officials were present there. Officials had not turned up at Van Sabhagruha too at that time. Top officials arrived just before the inaugural programme began at 11am.
During the inauguration ceremony, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) AK Misra claimed that the tiger population in the state has doubled since 2010 and credited the rise to conservation programmes. "The population currently is around 200 tigers. If cubs are included, the numbers is close to 300," he said.
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in 2010 had calculated the tiger count at 169 tigers, which, according to experts, had been extrapolated. Now, Misra's claim could open up a debate regarding the actual figure.
Misra also attempted to downplay human kills due to tiger attacks saying most of these deaths were falsely reported. He said, "People who have reported these deaths based it on hearsay and no one was actually witness to the attacks. Even trails of the animal's pugmarks disprove their theory."
PCCF (head of forest force) Shree Bhagwan said, "Workshops must be held for students, judges, police and revenue departments to spread awareness regarding forest and wildlife conservation. NGOs are already working in this direction but more participation is needed."
The department has planned a visit for students to Pench Tiger Reserve for students, a national-level photo exhibition, competitions for children, street plays and a student's rally over the coming week. Concluding function will be held on Saturday at 5pm.
On day one, the Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) launched 'Melghat Express'. The tourist bus was flagged off by guardian minister Pravin Pote and Amravati MLA Sunil Deshmukh. Field director MS Reddy said funds for the facility were received from International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Reddy said, "Tourists from Amravati can now conveniently visit Semadoh, Narnala Fort, Harisal and other places. The video coach bus also has a sound system through which guide can give inform about Melghat," Reddy said.
The minister also inaugurated stone sculptures of tigers at Amravati's welcome point to highlight importance of the country's one of the oldest tiger reserve. On the occasion, CCF of Amravati Pravin Chavan, CF RK Wankhede, honorary wildlife warden Vishal Bansod, Gaurav Kadu, Sawan Deshmukh and others were present.
