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National Rally on Animal Welfare Awareness flagged off today Animal Welfare Fortnight, 2010 is being celebrated across the country from today. On this occasion flagging off an awareness rally here today Shri Vijai Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests said to protect animals duty o9f every citizen and in return it will improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife. Shri Sharma said we should have compassion for all living creatures. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI )organized the rally which will go to neighbouring states such Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. Acharya Omswaroop, Member, AWBI, will lead the rally.They will distribute literature, publications on animal welfare and animal laws among the general public. They will also display the posters and banners with message of love and compassion towards animals. During this period, they will provide free treatment to sick and injured animals through their mobile veterinary clinic. Explaining the main purpose of the Animal Welfare Fortnight, Dr R M Kharb, Chairman, AWBI said to sensitize masses towards preventing cruelty to animals is very important. We also want people to know about animal protection laws and generate awareness about the Animal Welfare Schemes of the Ministry. Other purposes are to treat animals with kindness and have compassion for them, to create awareness for peaceful co-existence with animals. Late Smt. Rukumini Devi Arundale, Founder Chairpersons, AWBI started the Animal Welfare Fortnight from 14th January 1964 and since then it is being celebrated every year to activate the Animal Lovers, representatives of the Animal Welfare Activities, State Animal Welfare Boards, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) to dedicated their contributions and their services in the field of animal welfare. This year, AWBI with a team of animal welfare enthusiasts will lead the campaign to create awareness and sensitize the public towards preventing cruelties to animals and development of cowshed (gaushalas) including their improvement and sustainability. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India releases grants- in – aid to the Animal Welfare Board of India for Plan regular and four Central Sector Schemes to meet the various schemes begin implement for the welfare of animals. The board has granted recognition to about 2600 Animal Welfare Organization (AWOs), to whom regular grants is given for various animal welfare activities. KP/ |
