Chhatbir (SAS Nagar, July 29:
International Tiger Day-2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Mahendra Chaudhary (M.C.) Zoological Park, Chhatbir, on Wednesday. A series of awareness programmes, educational activities and interactive sessions were organised to spread awareness about tiger conservation and the protection of wildlife.
The event was held under this year’s global theme, “Their Roar Keeps the Forest Alive.” School and college students, zoo visitors and wildlife enthusiasts participated in the programme and learned about the importance of protecting tigers and their natural habitats.
On the occasion, S. Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab, released a special tiger conservation awareness poster in the presence of Satinder Kumar Sagar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Nalin Yadav, IFS, Field Director, Chhatbir Zoo, and other officials.
Addressing the gathering, S. Harpreet Sandhu said that the tiger is not only India’s National Animal but also an important symbol of a healthy forest ecosystem. He said that protecting tigers helps conserve forests, biodiversity and ecological balance. He encouraged students and young people to become ambassadors of wildlife conservation and contribute towards protecting nature.
During another awareness session, Harpal Singh, Public Relations Officer-cum-Wildlife Education Officer, Ms. Malti Sachdeva, Principal, Government High School, Chhat, Coordinator Teacher Ms. Sushma, and wildlife enthusiast Dr. Sidhartha Sharma highlighted the importance of tigers in maintaining ecological balance. They also spoke about the threats faced by tigers, including habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict, and stressed the need for greater public participation in wildlife conservation.
Speaking on the occasion, Satinder Kumar Sagar, IFS, said that International Tiger Day was launched in 2010 during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia to promote global tiger conservation. He said that although significant progress has been made in increasing tiger numbers, continuous conservation efforts are essential to protect this valuable species.
Nalin Yadav, IFS, Field Director, Chhatbir Zoo, said that the purpose of observing International Tiger Day is to create awareness about conserving and expanding tiger habitats across the world. He described the tiger as a symbol of beauty, bravery, strength and national pride, and appealed to everyone to support the message, “Save the Tiger, Save the Nation’s Pride.”
The zoo staff also presented a creative interpretation of the word “TIGERS” to encourage visitors to actively support tiger conservation.
The programme concluded with students, teachers, visitors and zoo staff taking a pledge to protect wildlife and preserve the environment for future generations.
