Date:12/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/12/stories/2008101252440500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Not many walk for wildlife

Staff Reporter

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

With a message: Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa leading the ‘Walk for Wildlife’ organised in Bangalore on Saturday.

BANGALORE: Clearly it was a Saturday morning when people snuggled deeper into their beds because the “Walk for Wildlife” organised by the Forest Department here took place sans public participation. The event, organised as part of Wildlife Week celebrations, was mostly attended by officials of the Forest and Police departments.

The annual event was flagged off by Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa. “We want to spread awareness about the necessity to protect wildlife. Everybody should take a vow in this regard,” Mr. Yeddyurappa said before he walked for a short distance along with the participants.

Except for a few schoolchildren, there were hardly any others to hear about the purpose of the walk that was held between the Vidhana Soudha and Lalbagh.

A large number of Forest Department personnel from Bangalore Rural, Bangalore City and Bannerghatta participated in the event. Among the forest officials who took part in the event included Principal Chief Conservators of Forest Dilip Kumar and I.B. Srivastava.

Director-General of Police (Fire and Emergency Services) Jija Madhavan Harisingh and Inspector-General of Police (Intelligence) B.G. Jyothiprakash Mirji were among the police officials who participated in the walk. Members of non-governmental organisations working for wildlife and some wildlife enthusiasts also took part in the walk.

Those wearing the masks of wild animals followed a mini-truck that carried the clay models of elephant and spotted deer.

The participants carried placards that highlighted the need to protect wildlife. They were given white T-shirts and caps sponsored by the Karnataka Tourism Department.