SHIMLA: The 'Wetlands for Life' Film Festival and Forum kicked off today in Shimla that gave a catchy glimpse of the rich biodiversity and the importance of conserving wetlands in Himachal Pradesh.
Films fest brought to fore the sad plight of Wetlands in Himachal. The Municipal waste around Wetlands is threatening the water bodies.
Tourists and camp sites operaters in Chandertal are spoiling the Wetland by dumping waste there.
The plight of Pong dam and Renuka ji and Rewalsar in Mandi is no different.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in his opening statement, stressed, "Our government is committed to preserving and protecting the wetlands of Himachal Pradesh.
Wetlands like Pong Dam, Chandertal, and Renuka Lake are symbols of the state's rich biodiversity and provide safe havens for migratory birds.
The conservation of these sites is crucial not only for the environment but also for the state's tourism and cultural heritage."
This festival is organized under the joint aegis of the Himachal Pradesh State Wetland Authority, the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment, and the Department of Environment, Science, Technology, and Climate Change.
Several short films are being showcased during the festival, including "Guardians of Wetlands," "Women as Stewards of Conservation," "Green Renuka Ji Fair: A Collective Endeavor of Renuka Lake," "Municipal Solid Waste Around Wetlands in Himachal," and "Initiative of Healing Himalayas."
These films highlight the significance and conservation efforts of various wetlands in the state.
The event was graced by Education Minister Rohit Thakur and Kirtiman Awasthi, Project Manager for Wetlands Management of Biodiversity and Climate Protection.
Thakur, in his address, reiterated the importance of conserving Himachal Pradesh's wetlands, such as Pong Dam, Chandertal, and Renuka Lake, which are not only crucial for biodiversity but also serve as vital habitats for migratory birds.
