Himachal Pradesh to Celebrate 75th Wildlife Week with Engaging Activities
Wildlife Week Celebrations in Himachal Pradesh
The Wildlife Wing of Himachal Pradesh's Forest Department is set to commemorate the 75th Wildlife Week from October 2 to October 8, 2026, featuring a range of programs aimed at wildlife conservation and public awareness throughout the state.
This year's theme for the celebrations is: “Protecting Wildlife Habitats to Conserve Health & Livelihoods”.
Wildlife Week serves as a crucial platform to reaffirm public dedication to wildlife protection and to foster increased involvement in conservation initiatives.
Activities Planned for the Week
A diverse array of events is scheduled across Himachal Pradesh during Wildlife Week, including:
- Opening ceremony and cleanliness drives
- Bird watching and floral study walks
- Zoo visits
- Release of Cheer Pheasants
- Mini Marathon
- Cycle rallies
- Short treks in Protected Areas and selected forest areas
- Wildlife talks and storytelling sessions by experts
- Guided bird watching activities
- Quiz competitions
- Seminars and webinars on wildlife conservation
The week will conclude on *October 8, 2026, with a *State-level closing ceremony in Shimla, featuring an exhibition of wildlife-related publications, photographs, conservation initiatives, documentary screenings, cultural performances, audience engagement activities, and prize distributions.
Highlights of the Competitions
In conjunction with the 75th Wildlife Week, the department has introduced competitions for artists, photographers, and filmmakers.
Open Wildlife Painting Competition
- Last date for email submission: September 20, 2026
- Last date for physical submission: September 25, 2026
- Email: WLWEEKOPENPAINTING@GMAIL.COM
- Prizes: ₹15,000, ₹12,000, and ₹9,000 for the top three positions
- Winners will also receive certificates and souvenirs.
Wildlife Photography Competition
- Open and Departmental categories
- Last date for submission: September 20, 2026
- Email: WLWEEKPHOTO@GMAIL.COM
- Prizes in each category: ₹9,000, ₹6,000, and ₹4,000 for the top three positions
- Winners will also receive certificates and souvenirs.
Wildlife Video Documentary Competition
- Open and Departmental categories
- Last date for submission: September 20, 2026
- Email: WLWEEKPHOTO@GMAIL.COM
- Best entry prize: ₹20,000, along with a certificate and souvenir.
A Call for Public Participation
Mr. Alok Prem Nagar, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden of Himachal Pradesh, emphasized that the primary goal of these celebrations is to enhance public awareness regarding wildlife, its natural habitats, and the significance of their conservation.
He noted that the responsibility of conserving Himachal Pradesh's diverse wildlife and biodiversity lies not solely with the Forest Department but is a collective duty of every individual in society. Wildlife Week presents a vital opportunity for people to connect with nature, appreciate the state's rich biodiversity, and contribute to conservation efforts.
Ms. Preeti Bhandari, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Shimla (South), remarked that the Wildlife Week celebrations provide a valuable opportunity for individuals from all walks of life to engage, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of wildlife and biodiversity conservation.
She urged students, photographers, artists, wildlife enthusiasts, local communities, and the general public to actively participate in the various activities and competitions organized during the week. Such events not only allow for the showcasing of talent and creativity but also educate participants about Himachal Pradesh's rich wildlife and the necessity of safeguarding its natural habitats.
The department has called upon schools, colleges, NGOs, local communities, wildlife enthusiasts, and the general public to join in the celebrations and help disseminate the message of wildlife conservation throughout Himachal Pradesh.
Let us unite to protect the rich biodiversity and wildlife of Himachal Pradesh.
Interested individuals are encouraged to participate in the competitions and join the celebrations of the 75th Wildlife Week from October 2 to 8, 2026.