JAMMU, Oct 4: Around 500 people participated in a “Heritage Walk for Wildlife” organised along the scenic Manda Trail of Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary as part of the National Wildlife Week 2026 celebrations. The event was organised by the Department of Wildlife Protection, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in association with The Art of Living, MOBE, JR Mills and By the Mountain.
Themed “Walk for Wildlife – Walk for a Drug-Free Life,” the event brought together youngsters, wildlife enthusiasts, academicians, researchers and representatives of various departments. The initiative aimed to create greater awareness about wildlife conservation, biodiversity and the importance of protecting natural habitats, while simultaneously promoting the message of a drug-free society among the youth.
The programme began at Hari Niwas Palace, Manda Hills, where all participants took a wildlife pledge. The participants then proceeded along the Manda Trail towards Kamala Top (Dhok) in Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary. After reaching the designated point, they returned through the sanctuary trails and assembled at the Wildlife Complex, Manda Hills, where refreshments were served.
A quiz competition based on basic questions related to the trail was also organised for the participants. Winners were presented with prizes, adding an educational and engaging element to the conservation programme. The event concluded with a closing ceremony.
Sheetal Nanda, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment, J&K, was the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, she said that the heritage walk was one among several events being organised across the Union Territory in connection with National Wildlife Week 2026. She highlighted that the Heritage Trail was designed to connect people of different age groups with nature and sensitise them towards wildlife conservation through direct experience in the wilderness.
Dr. Suneesh Buxi, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, said that Wildlife Week 2026 is being observed with the theme “Connecting Habitat and Thriving Wildlife.” He emphasised that the event provided citizens with an opportunity to connect with wildlife through first-hand experience in the natural environment. He further stressed that active public participation is essential for the effective conservation of forests and wildlife and described such programmes as an important example of community involvement.
Sandeep Kumar, IFS, Regional Wildlife Warden, underlined the importance of public education and sensitisation in wildlife conservation. He said that young people need to be encouraged to develop a stronger connection with nature and wildlife while simultaneously being guided away from the drug menace.
The heritage walk carried a strong dual message of wildlife conservation and a drug-free lifestyle, highlighting the importance of creating a healthy relationship between people, nature and wildlife. The initiative also provided participants with an opportunity to experience the ecological richness and natural beauty of the Manda landscape while learning about the importance of protecting wildlife habitats.
Among those present on the occasion were Sarvesh Rai, IFS, PCCF & HoFF, J&K Forest Department; Vasu Yadav, IFS, Chairman, PCC J&K; Dr. K. Anand, IFS, MD, JKFDCL; Dr. V. Senthil, IFS, CCF Jammu; Sh. Roshan Jaggi, Retd. PCCF, J&K; and Ravi Kesar, Retd. PCCF, J&K.