The Maharashtra Forest Department inaugurated the state-level Wildlife Week celebrations at Lonar Lake in Buldhana district today. The celebrations began with an awareness rally led by hundreds of students, who marched through Lonar city raising slogans such as ‘Save Forests, Save Wildlife’.
During the programme, retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Yogita Vishwas highlighted career opportunities in the forest services and the importance of developing a connection with nature. A senior IAS officer Sameer Kumar Vishwas described Lonar Lake as a geological treasure of Maharashtra and emphasised that its biodiversity must be protected through collective efforts.
Honorary Wildlife Warden Sachin Kapure spoke about the impact of disruption of the natural food chain, while Range Forest Officer M. W. Ramteke explained the interdependence of water, forests and insects.
Snake rescuer Vinay Kulkarni of the Nisarg Foundation also conducted demonstrations and provided guidance on snakebite precautions while dispelling common myths about snakes. Many forest officials, local representatives, teachers and volunteers attended the programme. As part of the week-long celebrations, the Forest Department has organised bird-watching sessions, a cleanliness drive and an essay competition for school students at Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary.
