As Madhya Pradesh celebrated its 67th foundation day with a week-long celebration from 1 to 7 November, to mark the occasion, a forest camp was organised for children by the Dhawali forest range in Sendhwa. Named Anubhuti, It was organised on the second last day of the week-long celebration by Dhawali Zone officer Hemant Prajapati, under the guidance of Sub Divisional Balwadi Officer, Suresh Ahirwar and DFO Sendhwa, Anupam Sharma.
Speaking to Indian Masterminds, DFO Anupam Sharma, IFS, said that the main motive of organizing this programme was to give these children an experience of the forest and make them aware about its importance at the same time.
THE PROGRAMME
Around 140 children of Higher Secondary School Dhawali participated in the Anubhuti camp organised by the Sendhwa forest department. As it was a day out for the children and something different from their regular classes, the children were very excited to participate in this camp.
They were first taken for a short forest tour where they visited placed like Nateshwar temple, Aner dam, nursery, etc. During this tour, Mr. Suresh Sharma, a master trainer and also a retired forest guard, interacted with the children and gave interesting information about the importance of forest, wildlife, biodiversity and environmental protection.
Mr. Anupam Sharma said, “During the camp, the use of technical devices like drones, smart sticks, etc., was also demonstrated by the Sendhwa Forest Department for forest/wildlife conservation and promotion in front of the children. From this, they got a better understanding of the technical things we use to protect the wildlife and forest.”
After a meal together, a fun quiz competition was organised by the forest department based on Mission Life (Lifestyle for Environment). In this, environment sensitive questions were asked and many other pertinent points were also discussed.
Sub Divisional Officer Suresh Ahirwar and Circle Officer Hemant Prajapati distributed attractive prizes to the winners of the competition.
At the end of the programme, a pledge was taken by the children and even the forest staff to protect the wildlife and forest in future. “They were also encouraged to plant a tree on their birthdays and ensure their safety,” Mr. Sharma said.
