Pushpa Gujral Science City: In a laudable initiative aimed at nurturing environmental awareness and fostering a deep appreciation for nature, Pushpa Gujral Science City, in collaboration with the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, arranged a two-day Nature Guidance Camp. The primary goal of the camp was to draw the younger generation, particularly students, closer to nature and instil in them a profound sense of responsibility for the conservation of natural resources. Approximately 40 students and 10 teachers from various educational institutions in Jalandhar and Kapurthala actively participated in this camp.
Addressing the eager participants, Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director, Science City, stressed the urgency of protecting our natural resources. He expressed that the failure to take immediate action to guard these resources from degradation might lead to irreversible consequences. Dr. Grover highlighted the indispensable role of trees and birds in human life, emphasizing, “Deprived of trees, the melodious chirping of birds would fade, and the very air we breathe would lack the refreshing essence that sustains life.”
Gitanjali Kanwar, a senior coordinator at WWF, extended a warm welcome to the participants during their tour at the Harike wetland. She enlightened them about Harike’s status as a haven for a numerous plants and animals, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Harike wetland, renowned for hosting over 360 species of birds annually, both migratory and resident, was unveiled as a paradise for passionate bird watchers. Participants had the opportunity to witness birds like the Northern Pintail, Ruddy Shelduck, and the Black-necked Stork during their visit. Kanwar highlighted the global recognition of wetlands, emphasizing their vital role in protecting these invaluable resources.
The excursion to the wetlands left participants enthralled, providing them not only a visual display of diverse flora and fauna but also inculcating a profound awareness of the imperative need to preserve these vital ecosystems for the benefit of future generations.
Throughout the two-day camp, students were immersed in educational sessions and hands-on activities designed to deepen their understanding of the environment and underscore the pivotal role each individual can play in its preservation. The Nature Guidance Camp emerged not just as an educational initiative but as a catalyst for a generation ready to champion the cause of environmental conservation.