J&K Wildlife Protection Department organized UT-level inaugural function of Wildlife Week 2026at SKUAST-K Shalimar

Srinagar, October 02, 2026: The J&K Wildlife Protection Department today organized the UT-level inaugural function of Wildlife Week 2026 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar, with the participation of senior officers, academicians, wildlife experts, ecologists,students, conservation organizations and other stakeholders.
The inaugural function marked the commencement of a week-long programme dedicated to creating awareness about wildlife conservation, protection of biodiversity and preservation of the rich natural heritage of Jammu &Kashmir.

Dr. Suneesh Buxy, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, was among the Special Guests on the occasion. In his address, Dr. Buxy highlighted the importance of connected habitats, wildlife corridors and biodiversity conservation for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the long-term survival of wildlife. He emphasized the need for a harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife and called for collective efforts towards reducing human-wildlife conflict through awareness, scientific management and community participation.
Dr. Buxy also urged the students to become active ambassadors of environmental conservation and encouraged them to follow the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mantra given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister,adopting environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives.
Special Guests underline importance of education, research and collaborativeconservationProf. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, in his address, emphasized the important role of universities in generating scientific knowledge, undertaking field-oriented research and developing humanresources for wildlife and environmental conservation. He stressed the need for closer collaboration between academic institutions and the Wildlife Protection Department so that research and innovation could effectively support conservation and wildlife management.
Sh. Prashant Kumar, IFS, Administrative Member, CAT Srinagar, highlighted the broader significance ofenvironmental and wildlife protection and stressed the importance of institutional responsibility, public awareness and adherence to the legal and regulatory framework governing conservation. He emphasized that protection of wildlife and natural ecosystems requires sustained efforts and participation from all sections of society.
Sh. Tawheed Ahmad Deva, IFS, Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, delivered the formal welcome/keynoteaddress and set the context for the Wildlife Week celebrations. He highlighted the rich wildlife diversity of Jammu & Kashmir, the importance of protecting habitats and the need for coordinated field-level efforts for wildlife protection and management.
Dr. Khursheed Ahmad, Professor/Head, Wildlife Division, SKUAST-K, spoke about the role of scientific research and academic expertise in understanding wildlife populations, habitats and emerging conservation challenges. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches, capacity building and greaterinteraction between researchers, field officers and students.
The addresses collectively highlighted the importance of research, education, connected habitats, wildlife corridors, institutional collaboration, community participation and scientific wildlife management in strengthening conservation efforts.
Release of books and publicationsA significant feature of the inaugural function was the release of books and technical publications relating to wildlife conservation, wildlife management and human-wildlife conflict. The publications provide useful documentation and knowledge resources for conservation practitioners, researchers, students and other stakeholders.

1. Coffee Table Book – “Dachigam”, authored by Sh. Pervaiz Ahmad Wani, Deputy Conservator ofForests/Wildlife Warden, Central Division, Srinagar.
   2.“SOPs for Management & Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict”, authored by Sh. Rashid Yahya Naqash,Regional Wildlife Warden, Headquarters.
   3.“Asian Waterbird Census”, prepared by the Wildlife Warden, Wetlands.
   4.“Checklist of Mammals of J&K”, authored by Sh. Muzafar Kidloo.
   5.“Recovery of Kashmir Musk Deer”, authored by Dr. Tanveer, WTI.
   6.“Dynamics of Man-Animal Conflict”, authored by Dr. Mohsin.The release of these publications provided an important platform for showcasing field experience, scientific work and documentation related to the wildlife and ecosystems of Jammu & Kashmir.
   Participation of institutions and stakeholdersThe inaugural programme included screening of a wildlife documentary and jingle, a cultural presentation,inspection of stalls by the dignitaries and presentation of plants to the guests.
   Among the officers present on the occasion were Sh. Rashid Yahya Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden,Headquarters, and Mr. Rafi Ahmad, Joint Director, Forest Protection Force, besides other officers and officials of the Forest and Wildlife departments.
   The programme witnessed participation of faculty and students of SKUAST-K, Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, various government colleges and schools of Srinagar, NGOs including Wildlife Trust of India and Wildlife Conservation Fund, besides members of the media fraternity, environmentalists, wildlife enthusiasts and ecologists.
   The department stated that a series of awareness, educational and outreach activities would be undertaken during Wildlife Week 2026 to engage students, local communities and other stakeholders and to underline theimportance of wildlife, connected habitats and habitat conservation.
   The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Sh. Pervaiz Ahmad Wani, Wildlife Warden, Central Division, who expressed gratitude to the Special Guests, participating institutions, officers, experts, students,media representatives and all stakeholders for their participation and support in making the inaugural programme successful.
   The J&K Wildlife Protection Department reiterated its commitment to strengthening wildlife conservation,promoting scientific knowledge, encouraging institutional collaboration and fostering greater public participation in the protection of Jammu & Kashmir’s rich wildlife and biodiversity.