Forest Principal Secretary M. Sudha Devi says conserving wildlife habitats is essential for ecological security, livelihoods and future generations
Shimla, October 8, 2026
A Wildlife Week 2026 concluded at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla on Thursday, with senior forest officials, students, wildlife enthusiasts and other stakeholders coming together to underline the importance of conserving Himachal Pradesh’s rich biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
The closing ceremony was presided over by M. Sudha Devi, IAS, Principal Secretary (Forests), Himachal Pradesh, who was the chief guest. The event began with her visit to the exhibition followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Sudha Devi reiterated the state government’s commitment to wildlife conservation and said Wildlife Week should not be viewed merely as a series of programmes, but as an opportunity to renew the collective resolve to protect nature.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Conserving Wildlife Habitats, Sustaining Healthy Life and Livelihoods,” she said healthy wildlife habitats were vital not only for animals and birds but also for water security, the environment, human health, agriculture and livelihoods.
“Himachal Pradesh has a unique ecological identity because of its rich biodiversity, dense forests, high Himalayan landscapes and cold desert regions,” she said, emphasising that protecting these natural assets was a shared responsibility.
During the ceremony, the chief guest released various books and publications of the department and felicitated winners of competitions organised during Wildlife Week.
The awards included school and open painting competitions, photography competitions, a wildlife video documentary competition and performing arts. According to the official felicitation list, winners in the school painting competition included Ayaansh Ranta, Karma Norkit, Vandita and Vansh Vishen in their respective categories, while Vivek Sharma won the open painting competition.
In the open photography competition, Amit Vakil secured the first position, followed by Amar Paul Singh and Rakeshwar Kapoor. The departmental photography competition saw Akshay Bhardawaj, Forest Guard, win first place and Vinkesh Chauhan, Forest Guard, finish second.
The Wildlife Video Documentary Competition was won by Vinay Kumar, while the performing arts category was won by The Beginners as a group.
The department also felicitated Class IV employees for their contribution. Tota Ram, Forest Worker, Paonta Sahib Forest Division; Surjeet Singh, Peon/Jamadar, Wildlife Circle (North), Dharamshala; and Babita, Sweeper, Shimla Wildlife Division were among those honoured.
Skit puts spotlight on human-wildlife connection
A skit titled “Jungle Se Insaan Tak” was also staged during the programme. The performance highlighted the close relationship between forests, wildlife and human life and sought to sensitise the audience towards environmental conservation.
The programme was attended by Dr Sanjay Sood; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Alok Prem Nagar; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Anu Nagar; Health Department Adviser K. Thirumal; Chief Conservator of Forests and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Preeti Bhandari; Conservator of Forests (Wildlife Circle), Shimla; senior forest department officials, employees, students and other dignitaries.
