Chandigarh Forests
Department of Forest & Wildlife
UT Administration
Chandigarh
Department of Forest & Wildlife
‘World Environment Day’ was organized on 5th June, 2018 at entrance point on the ground floor of Elante Mall in Industrial Area, Chandigarh in collaboration with YUVSATTA – an environmental NGO.
The theme of the World Environment Day-2018 was ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ which is a call for action to come together to combat one of the greatest environmental challenges of our times.
On this occasion, the ‘Best Eco-Club Award of UT Chandigarh’ were announced by Department of Environment, Chandigarh Administration for the year 2017, and the prizes for their commendable work in the field of Environment Conservation were distributed.
The Forest & Wildlife department has announced the launch of the “Trees for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)” campaign with a special focus on curbing air pollution in the city beautiful. The campaign was inaugurated by the Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Punjab & Administrator Chandigarh during the Van Mahotsav 2023 event.
The “Trees for LiFE” campaign aims to promote the planting of trees that are capable of curbing air pollution while also supporting biodiversity through the planting of fruit trees. By combining pollutant-curbing and fruit-bearing trees, the campaign seeks to enhance the environment and improve the overall lifestyle of the residents.
Chandigarh has long been proactive in initiatives aimed at protecting the environment. As part of the city’s commitment to sustainable management, extensive calculations are being undertaken to determine the ecological and environmental carrying capacity. This includes assessing the carbon footprint of the entire city and forest areas, as well as other exotic sources, to better quantify the sustainable management practices required.
To address major concerns such as soil, water, and air pollution, efforts are being made to curb biological and non-biological sources of pollution. Air pollution, caused by various factors in the urban environment, poses a significant challenge. However, vegetation buffers have been shown to mitigate pollution levels by acting as pollution sinks. By adopting innovative measures and promoting a clean, green, and smart city, the Administration aims to achieve its vision of a clean and green Chandigarh.
Trees selected for their pollution-curbing properties include Ficus religiosa, F. recemosa, F. bengalensis, Neem (Azadirachta indica), Terminalia bellarica, Dalbergia sissoo, and other species. These trees have been carefully chosen to effectively combat pollution and improve air quality in the city.
In conjunction with the campaign launch, the Forest & Wildlife department is announced the release of the “Butterflies of Chandigarh” report. Compiled by the department, this comprehensive report identifies a total of 142 butterfly species belonging to six major families, including Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, Pieridae, Papilionidae, and Hesperidae. These species contribute to the vibrant biodiversity of Chandigarh, making it a haven for butterfly enthusiasts.
Butterflies, as cold-blooded creatures of the animal kingdom, are a unique and mesmerizing sight. The report highlights the presence of various rare and schedule-I & II protected species, such as the orange oak leaf, in Chandigarh. These species enjoy the same level of protection as iconic animals like tigers and lions, under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Notable butterfly species found in the city include the Common Mormon, Indian red flash, striped tiger, common mime, blue admiral, and red pierrot.
The Forest & Wildlife department encourages citizens to actively participate in the “Trees for LiFE” campaign and embrace eco-friendly activities to protect the environment. By collectively adopting sustainable practices and promoting a greener lifestyle, Chandigarh can lead the way in building a cleaner and healthier future.
Wildlife week is observed during the first week of October all over the country, with the objective of raising awareness among masses for conservation of Wildlife and its habitat. The Department of Forests & Wildlife, Chandigarh is organizing various programmes during the week to sensitize and generate awareness among the masses for the Protection and Conservation of Wildlife, Nature and Natural resources.
In this series, a “Wildlife Walkathon” was organized by the department which was flagged off by Sh.Dharam Pal, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh in the presence of Shri Nitin Yadav, Home Secretary,UT of Chandigarh, Sh.T.C. Nautiyal, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, and other Senior officers of Chandigarh administration and Forest Department.
The walk was started from Nepli and culminated at Kansal Log Hut and covered 10 Km in length and passing through three Hillocks reaching a maximum height of 1500 feet. Approximately 1800 people participated in the Trek which include School Children, general public and large no. of people from Press & Media. The Advisor to the Administrator and Home secretary also covered the distance to send the message of Conservation among the people of Chandigarh. The participants were divided into groups of around 200 people. Each group was having one Forest Official and Group Leader.
On this opening event of wildlife week, The Chanidgarh State AIDS Control Society also collaborated with the Forest and Wildlife Department to spread awareness regarding HIV and AIDS among the youngesters by organizing quiz and other events
On this occasion, Chief Guest Shri Dharam Pal appreciated the effort of the department for such occasion. Such activities shall sensitize general public towards Wildlife Conservation.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh.T.C. Nautiyal, IFS, Chief Wild Life Warden, UT Chandigarh stated that so many people came forward to participate in the Walk for the cause of Wildlife Conservation is a very positive outcome. They were all sensitized regarding the importance of wildlife for the sustenance of human being on this earth.
The Department of Forests & Wildlife, Chandigarh Administration has planned for various programmes for the weeklong celebration of Wildlife Week such as; Exhibition of Birds & mammals of Chandigarh, Exhibition on Chandigarh Butterflies, Lecture series and Screening of films on ‘Wildlife Conservation’ in different schools, Sensitizing people on ‘Wildlife Rescue’, One Day workshop for Eco-club Incharges/ Teachers of different schools of UT Chandigarh and Painting/ Drawing Competitions etc.
After inauguration of Paudhmela, Chief Guest also flagged off the ‘Mahindra Scorpio Getaway’ – a Pick-up Van vehicle for rescuing wild animals and bringing to health care facility or for release them in forest area. The vehicle was donated by Smt. Kirron Kher, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, UT, Chandigarh under MPLADS Scheme.
A state level plantation programme was organised at parking place near Sukhna Lake Club which was attended by many dignatories including – Smt. Kirron Kher, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, UT, Chandigarh.Three Stalls of Forest Department, Municipal Corporation, Horticulture wing of Engineering Department, Chandigarh were set up there. Forest Department distributed saplings free of cost whereas other departments are selling at nominal rate.
On this occasion, Shri Santosh Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Shri T.C.Nautiyal, IFS, Conservator of Forests and other Senior Officers of the Administration also planted saplings. On this occasion speaking to the media, Chief Guest – Smt.Kirron Kher requested all citizens of Chandigarh to take part in this Van Mahotsava-2018 with full enthusiasm so as to make Chandigarh a clean & green city. She urged that if we adopt ‘Each One Plant One” theme then the Chandigarh is going to be a more greener place.
Department of Tourism celebrated the second anniversary of the World Heritage Day at Capitol Complex on 17th July, 2018 with a series of initiatives to make a visit to the complex more comfortable and enriching for tourists.
A tree plantation drive was organized to enhance the green cover of the Capitol Complex.
Depart ment of Environment and Forest s, Chandigarh Administration, in collaboration with NGO – Youth Innovative Society, celebrated World Ozone Day on 16th September, 2018 by organizing a painting and Slogan Writing competition and Quiz Competition for various schools Around 300 Students Participated in both events in botanical garden.
The theme for world ozone day of 2018 was “Keep Cool and Carry On”. The theme is accompanied by the tagline: The Montreal Protocol. This protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer (ODS) has so far been successful in phasing out 99% ODS globally. This special day is held to mark the day when the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987. The aim of this is mainly intended to spread awareness about the depletion of the ozone Layer and search for solutions to preserve it.
