We all hear and are aware of the fact that our environment is dying at our hands but there so little that we do about it. On World Environment Day, 5th June a small initiative was taken to change the case. Pledge support for “Zero tolerance for illegal wildlife trade”, the event was organized to shed light on the sad reality of the illegal trade of wildlife in India and across the border. The event was a joint effort of Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, TRAFFIC, WWF-India, United Nations Development Programme, ENVIS Centres, PETA and Maashakti. . It took place at Connaught Place, Delhi from 6 am to 9 am.
The event was led by Mr. A.N. Jha, Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GOI. The event was opened with a march in the inner circle of the Connaught Place followed by a t-shirt and canvas painting competition. The competition was open for everyone and witnessed participants of all ages. The venue sported a pledge wall where visitors could sign and pledge to not engage or promote illegal trade of wildlife. The audience very enthusiastically participated in the environmental quiz and won various prizes. As the morning progressed 2 more marches were led at 7 am and 8 am, with the other events running consecutively.
More competitions like the slogan writing competition was organized to keep the audience involved. The event also saw an “Illegal wildlife Trade” themed skit performed by the interns at the WWF-India. The skit was followed by impromptu performances by various artists present in the audience. The audience was addressed by Dr. Shekhar Kumar Niraj, Head of TRAFFIC’S India office, “Illegal wildlife trade has emerged as one of the most significant threats to wildlife and engaging public support is crucial to the success of eradicating this epidemic. A Prize distribution ceremony was organized to appreciate the winners. Mr. A.N. Jha took the pledge to eradicate the sin of wildlife cruelty along with the officials present at the venue. The ceremony was concluded with a cleanliness drive.