The WILDCON 2020 was inaugurated at the hands of Dr. N. Rambabu, Hon’ble PCCF (HoFF), The inauguration ceremony was chaired by Col. (Dr. ) Prof. A. M. Paturkar, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, MAFSU. Dr. N.P. Dakshinkar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Durg, Hon’ble N.H. Kahodkar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Chief Wildlife Warden of Maharashtra and Hon’ble N. Vasudevan, MD, FDCM Ltd. were the Guest of Honours. The programme was conducted at Harisingh Sabhagriha of Forest Department, Civil Lines, Nagpur.
Dr Shirish Upadhye, Organizing Secretary, WILDCON 2020 in his welcome address highlighted the functioning and achievements of WRTC, Nagpur and the purpose behind organization of WILDCON 2020.
Hon’b’e Minister of Forest, Relief and Rehabilitation Shri Sanjayji Rathod while joining online through video congratulated MAFSU, FDCM Ltd. and Forest Department for their steps taken towards wildlife management and stressed the need for strengthening the conservation efforts. He also expressed that the Wildcon 2020 would deliberate on various issues related to wildlife conservation.
Prof. Dr B.M. Arora, Chairman, Association of Indian Zoos and Wildlife Veterinarians, Bareilly joined online and praised the wildlife conservation efforts of WRTC and State Forest Department.
Shri N. Vasudevan, Managing Director, FDCM expressed that the facilities created by FDCM at Gorewada Rescue Centre, Gorewada would be helpful in tackling various issues related to wildlife and assured full support to the WRTC for its functioning.
Mr. Nitin Kakodkar, Hon’ble PCCF & CWLW, highlighted the Human-Wildlife conflicts in the state and the importance of symbiotic work between Veterinarians and Forest Department everywhere. He urged the veterinarians, forest officials, conservationists and all to address the issues related to man-animal conflicts.
Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, DSVCKV, Durg, Dr. Dakshikar recollected the first rescue operation of a tigress which had fallen in a canal in Katlabodi and it’s successful rescue with the joint efforts of Forest Department and Veterinarians. This paved the foundation to the establishment of the WRTC at Gorewada. He also reminisced of the initial days when treatment of wildlife was successfully executed even with the paucity of advanced resources. He congratulated the entire team for pulling of the Wildlife conference of such an International stature exceptionally.
Dr. Rambabu called upon the urgent requirement to find best ways to help reduce the Man-Animal conflict which is only increasing day-by-day. He emphasized on the use of technical advancements to be implemented for achieving a state of co-existence.
Col. (Dr.) Prof. Ashish Paturkar, Vice-Chancellor, MAFSU, Nagpur assured that the Collaberation of the MAFSU and Forest Department is unique of its kind and helping in conservation efforts of the State and assured full technical support of the University for conservation and Health care of wildlife.
The Compendium containing the messages of dignitaries, activities of WRTC, 2 theme papers and 16 lead papers and 282 abstracts of papers that are going to be presented in the next 2 days, was released at the hands of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, MAFSU, Col (Dr.) Prof. Paturkar, whereas a lapel pin specially designed to commemorate the occasion of gathering all the people working for the benefit of Wildlife worldwide on a common online platform was released by Hon’ble Rambabu, HoFF, Maharashtra State.
Shri Shriniwas Rao, and Mrs Meera Iyer, CGM, FDCM and Shri Rishikesh Ranjan GM, FDCM Ltd. And Dr. Somkuwar, DI & Dean (Vet), MAFSU, Dr Aher, Director of Extension Education, Dr Kurkure, Director Research, Dr Jadhao, Dean (Lower Education), Dr Kawitkar and Dr Bonde Associate Deans were also present during the inaugural programme. The programme was conducted by Dr Vinod Dhoot, Co-Organizing Secretary. He while anchoring also briefed the audience about the achievements of the WRTC and assured full cooperation of the WRTC. Dr Sujit Kolangath, Treasurer, Wildcon 2020 offered vote of thanks.
