World Wetlands Day 2017 observed

CHANDIGARH: Youth Innovative Society (Regd), a city-based environmental NGO, in collaboration with the department of enviornment and forest and wildlife departments, Chandigarh administration, celebrated World Wetland Day, 2017 at Nature Interpretation Center Regulatory End of Sukhna Lake Chandigarh (UT).

Two hundred-fifty children from various government and private schools of the city, deputy conservator of forests Arpana, range forest officer Karan Singh, administrative officials and other staff of the environment and forest and wildlife departments participated at a function that was organised at Sukhna lake.

Delivering the inaugural address, chief guest, deputy conservator of forests Arpana said the day marks the signing of the Convention of Wetlands at Ramsar. She also expressed keen desire to involve the more number city children to nurture and enjoy nature in its abundance at this site. She called for a collective effort to safeguard wetlands and urged the students to take the



lead in conserving natural resources.

Sachin Sharma, chairman of the Youth Innovative Society (Regd), said Wetlands supports a number of plant and animal species including birds, butterflies, dragonflies and reptiles. Thousands of migratory birds flock to wetlands in the city during winter migration. He said the day is observed to strengthen the movement of conservation of bio-diversity and fight climate change. The biggest challenge in today's time is to live in harmony with nature.

On the occasion a painting competition was organised. Over 250 entrants participated in the competition. The theme for the painting competition was Wetlands - A natural safeguard against disasters. Chief guest Arpana while distributing prizes to the winners of the painting competetion also stressed need to protect and conserve the valuable ecosystem. She also administered a pledge to students for the conservation of nature and natural resources like wetlands by adopting a sustainable way of life.