On birth anniversary of legendary Birdman of India Dr Salim Ali, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Suresh Chugh toady inaugurated week-long ‘Forest Tree Awareness’ programme at Nature Interpretation Centre Manda.Director SFRI, SRML Higher Secondary School students, teachers, professors of colleges, bird experts, front line staff from both Forest department and State Forest Research Institute attended the programme.While appreciating SFRI initiative to launch Forest Tree Awareness Week from today coinciding with birth anniversary of Dr Salim Ali, Suresh Chugh emphasized the role of citizens and members of civil society in acting as effective communicators in strengthening tree consciousness, spreading knowledge on birds of state and have meaningful partnerships in various fields of forestry and wildlife.
He said that Mahavriksh Sheesham tree growing at Ramban attracting many birds was declared as Mahavriksh by Government of India in early 1990's.Suresh Chugh said State needs to come up with Heritage tree register for listing old Banyans, Chinars, Devdars, Mangoes, Toon, Jiuopota Junipers, Elms and other trees.Director SFRI while welcoming Chief Guest, bird experts and participants focused on Tree diversity of Shivaliks, Fig trees acting as Keystone species in forest ecosystem.Tahir Shawl Regional Wildlife Warden, Prevez Shagoo, Col Ramesh Salathia and others highlighted new bird sightings in the state.Later, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest distributed certificates of excellence to committed birders namely Parvez Shagoo, Sudesh Kumar, Mohd Ayub, Vikas Dogra and others for their contribution in state ornithology.