- Wildlife Week inaugurated in Bijapur; Forest Minister emphasizes that conserving forests and wildlife is a collective responsibility
- Announcement to launch eco-tourism activities in Bijapur by year-end; new employment opportunities to open up for local youth
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap inaugurated Wildlife Week in Bijapur with the aim of raising public awareness about the conservation of forests and wildlife. On this occasion, he flagged off the ‘Bagh Rath’ (Tiger Chariot) prepared by the Indravati Tiger Reserve. This chariot will travel from village to village, raising awareness among the people about wildlife conservation, tiger protection, and human-wildlife coexistence.
Forest Minister Shri Kashyap stated that forests and wildlife are our invaluable natural heritage. Their conservation is not merely the Forest Department’s duty but the collective responsibility of every individual in society. Active participation from the local community is crucial for the effective protection of wildlife. Highlighting the significance of the public awareness campaign launched through the ‘Bagh Rath,’ he noted that this initiative would carry the message of forest and wildlife conservation to remote forest-area villages and connect people with the importance of biodiversity.
- Rich biodiversity: A key identity of Bijapur
Highlighting Bijapur’s rich biodiversity, Forest Minister Shri Kashyap remarked that the region is abundant in natural wealth and diverse wildlife. The local forests and wildlife form a vital foundation of the region’s ecology. Better results in environmental conservation can be achieved by involving the local community in these preservation efforts. He placed special emphasis on safeguarding the natural habitats of wildlife, protecting forests, and promoting a balanced coexistence between humans and wildlife. Eco-tourism activities to commence in Bijapur by year-end
On this occasion, Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap made a significant announcement regarding tourism development in Bijapur, stating that eco-tourism activities would be formally launched in the district by the end of the year. He noted that Bijapur is a region rich in natural beauty, dense forests, and biodiversity. The launch of eco-tourism activities will enable tourists to experience the area’s natural heritage and scenic beauty, while also raising public awareness about environmental and wildlife conservation.
- Eco-tourism to provide employment opportunities for local youth
The Forest Minister stated that eco-tourism would be developed with the participation of the local community. The expansion of tourism activities will create new avenues for employment and self-employment for local youth. This will strengthen local livelihood sources and accelerate the region’s economic development. He emphasized that the core objective of eco-tourism is to promote tourism while conserving nature and wildlife, thereby offering an opportunity to advance environmental conservation and local livelihoods hand-in-hand.
The flagging off of the ‘Tiger Rath’ (Tiger Chariot) alongside the inauguration of Wildlife Week marks a significant initiative to foster public participation in wildlife conservation. Through this initiative, messages regarding biodiversity, tiger conservation, and human-wildlife coexistence will be conveyed to villages in forest areas. Meanwhile, the launch of eco-tourism activities will bolster efforts to conserve Bijapur’s natural wealth while creating new possibilities for local employment and livelihood enhancement.
Former Minister Mr. Mahesh Gagda, Zila Panchayat President Smt. Janki Korsa, Zila Panchayat Vice-President Mr. Pere Pullayya, Municipal Council President Smt. Geeta Som Pujari, the District Collector, the Superintendent of Police, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), and other public representatives were present at the event.