11th May, 2022
Shri Banwarilal Purohit, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab & the Administrator, UT Chandigarh inaugurated the Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) on 11th May, 2022 in Kansal forest area at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, UT Chandigarh in the presence of Smt.Kirron Kher, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, UT Chandigarh and Sh.Dharam Pal, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh. The Dignitaries also planted saplings in the premises along with other Senior Officers.
The Department of Forests & Wildlife, UT Chandigarh has developed a Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) in Kansal forests area at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh. The Nature Interpretation Center in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary has been established to meet the general curiosity of visitors on the subject of wildlife apart from imparting knowledge and information source of nature education. The visitors can visit the NIC at Kansal after obtaining necessary permission (Permit) from Forest Department, Chandigarh Administration, Paryavaran Bhawan (2nd Floor), Sector 19B, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh. There are number of segments which are represented in the NIC, some of which are as under:-
Depiction of catchment of Sukhna and effect of various soil & moisture conservation works.
3D models of certain herbivores and other mammals.
Posters on Birds, Butterflies, Reptiles and different faunal species of Chandigarh
Display of floral diversity i.e. placing trees section of indigenous trees by showcasing annual rings
Posters of Medicinal Plants of Chandigarh.
Display of threats to the wildlife and forests areas
Interactive activities for the kids
External sections to potentially engage students in learning through demonstrations etc.
After the inauguration, the Chief Guest visited the various sections of NIC and appreciated the efforts made by Forest Department, Chandigarh. He further added that the NIC will help to draw the attention of nature lovers and environmentalists towards Chandigarh’s premier nature-centric place. He also visited Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary where lot of soil and moisture activities have been undertaken by Forest Department to conserve soil and water in the Catchment of Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh.
He further stated that the Forest Department, Chandigarh has done a lot of soil and moisture conservation activities inside Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary which in turn helps in checking of silt flowing into Sukhna Lake. The same has also been showcased in the NIC which is going to be very educative for the visitors.
The Hon’ble Member of Parliament, UT Chandigarh also applauded the efforts of the Department for taking initiatives towards nature and imparting its true knowledge amongst people especially young minds.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh.Dharam Pal, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator appreciated the action and efforts of Forest Department, Chandigarh in checking the siltation of Sukhna Lake. Sh.Nitin Kumar Yadav, IAS, Secretary (Forests), Chandigarh complemented the Department for creating this wonderful NIC, which is very informative and educative.
Sh.Debendra Dalai, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Chandigarh informed that Forest Department has established Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) in Kansal forests at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh. The NIC showcases the dynamic biodiversity of Chandigarh Forests and variety of flora that supports its rich wildlife. It is a genuine endeavour to give its visitors an enriching experience and kindle the affection and concern towards Mother Nature and environment at large.
The function was also attended by Sh.Praveer Ranjan, IPS, Director General of Police, Dr Vijay Namdeorao Zade, IAS Finance Secretary, Sh.Vinay Pratap Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Smt. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Dr.Abdul Qayum, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests and other officers of Chandigarh Administration.
