Dimapur, March 21 (MExN): The Wildlife Wing, Department of Environment Forests & Climate Change celebrated International Day of Forests at the office of the Chief Wildlife Warden in Dimapur on March 21.
Satya Prakash Tripathi (IFS), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden informed the staff that International Day of Forests is commemorated to celebrate the importance of all types of greenery – forests, trees outside forests, urban forests and green cover, for benefit of “our” children and their future generations to come.
According to a press release, he stated forests provide clean air, play important role in regulating and maintaining high quality fresh-water supply, and help in the ecological balance. Tripathi further noted that the water table is maintained because of the forests. “Forests also help to a great deal in addressing the issues of soil erosion and associated problems like flooding and landslides since the trees store water in branches and the soil,” he explained.
March 20 being the World Sparrow Day – a day dedicated to the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), Suman WM Sivachar (IFS), Wildlife Warden, Kiphire and DCF, Chief Wildlife Warden office stated that two decades ago, sparrows were abundantly present in the cities and towns, but are in highly decreased numbers these days due to increased urbanization and decreased green cover. “Nagaland in that way is fortunate to have good number of sparrows because of the greenery and the forest cover present. It is therefore imperative to safeguard the greenery,” he stated. He further said field staff and ministerial staff are like the two hands of the Department – both have to function effectively and in unity for the Department to move forward.
Rajkumar (IFS), ACF meanwhile pointed out that though the field staff work with limited resources and in harsh conditions, there is an innate sense of satisfaction and pride in working for the cause of humanity. Even a small step taken by each staff can help greatly in the cause of conservation, he added.
