Event on 'Saving Gharials – Protecting India’s Living Heritage' organised

An event, “Saving Gharials – Protecting India’s Living Heritage”, was organised at AKSIPS-41 Smart School, Chandigarh, to raise awareness about the conservation of gharials and the protection of India’s river ecosystems. The programme aimed to educate students on the importance of wildlife conservation and the role individuals can play in protecting endangered species. As part of the event, a poster-making competition was held to encourage creativity and environmental awareness among students. The winners of the competition are: First - Pravanya Sangwan (Class VIII-A) and Jaipriya (Class VIII-C), second - Kritika (Class IX-A), third - Avantika Rawat (Class IX-A) and consolation prize - Dyannat Kaur (Class VII-A). Gitanjali Kanwar, Senior Coordinator – Rivers, Wetlands and Water Policy, WWF-India, was the chief guest. In her address, she emphasised the significance of conserving riverine habitats and the need for community participation in safeguarding species like the gharial — a vital indicator of river health. The event also featured insightful talks by Harpal Singh, Range Forest Officer at MC Zoological Park, Chhatbir, and Vir Singh, founder, Virvanam Foundation, a high school student committed to environmental conservation.