World Environment Day celebrated at Chhatbir Zoo

Chandigarh: Today on June 5, 2021 World Environment Day has been celebrated at Chhatbir Zoo. A plantation drive as physical activity for the officials and a series of webinar as virtual activity for the citizens has been organized to encourage awareness towards environmental protection. Mr. Naresh Mahajan Field director Chhatbir zoo explained that the theme of the "World Environment Day 2021" is  'Ecosystem Restoration' This World Environment Day will kick off the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), a global mission to revive billions of hectares, from forests to farmlands, from the top of mountains to the depth of the sea.

A special plantation drive has been organized in the zoo. Field Director, Chhatbir Zoo Naresh Mahajan added “I think everyone can contribute to the environment with their little contribution like plant a tree in a very real way.”

Chhatbir Zoo in collaboration with Social Substance also conducted a virtual webinar series to create awareness regarding the theme Ecosystem Restoration of world environment day 2021.   Three sessions were conducted as follows
1.    1st session were presented by Dr. Ashish Kumar, S.V.O Chhatbir zoo on the topic- one health prospective on ecosystem restoration 
2.    2nd session were presented by Mr Harpal Singh, Range Officer cum Zoo Education Officer on the topic- coexistence with wildlife
3.    The final 3rd session were taken by Mr. Naresh Mahajan Field Director Chhatbir zoo on the topic How to start ecosystem restoration with a healthy lifestyle from our balcony or kitchen garden. 

The teachers and students of Rawal Public School, sector 64, Faridabad, Tagore Vanasathali Boarding school, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, Khalsa College for Women Ludhiana and SGGS College, Sec 26, Chandigarh participated in these virtual webinar in full enthusiasm and strength. 

Field Director explained that due to Covid-19 lockdown the Chhatbir Zoo is closed for the visitors but team Chhatbir is serving in full dedication to fulfil the Zoo’s motive of Conservation, education and research. Chhatbir zoo is doing its best to interact with public to create awareness and trying to sensitize the public towards nature conservation and environmental issues. In future many other special events also will have been conducted at time to time. Field director added sudden rain showers recently gave a great relief from the harsh summer and it nurture the greenery of woodland of Chhatbir which gave eye soothing effect. The animals are happy and healthy in the zoo. The visitors will definitely enjoy the flora and fauna of Chhatbir zoo soon when the situation of the covid-19 pandemic improves.