<p>A large number of wildlife enthusiasts participated in the bicycle jatha organised by the Forest department as part of International Tiger Day at Melukamanahalli in the taluk on Thursday.</p>.<p>Speaking at the programme, Chief Conservator of Forest Vijay Kumar Gogi said that the ecological balance was very important for a healthy environment. "It is important for everyone to be aware of the fact that the survival of humans depends on the stability of the environment," he said.</p>.<p>"The department personnel, who patrol the forest on foot, are the real protectors of land, water and forest. Others are just extending support," he opined.</p>.<p>Wildlife photographer Kripakar recalled the interest of former prime minister Indira Gandhi in conserving the forest and tigers and stated that other politicians were not interested in wildlife.</p>.<p>"Wildlife sanctuaries were her dreams and the environmentalists should remember her," he said.</p>.<p>A book on the birds spotted during the 2020-21 was released.</p>.<p>Bandipur Tiger Project director S R Natesh, ACFs Ravikumar and Paremesh were present.</p>
<p>A large number of wildlife enthusiasts participated in the bicycle jatha organised by the Forest department as part of International Tiger Day at Melukamanahalli in the taluk on Thursday.</p>.<p>Speaking at the programme, Chief Conservator of Forest Vijay Kumar Gogi said that the ecological balance was very important for a healthy environment. "It is important for everyone to be aware of the fact that the survival of humans depends on the stability of the environment," he said.</p>.<p>"The department personnel, who patrol the forest on foot, are the real protectors of land, water and forest. Others are just extending support," he opined.</p>.<p>Wildlife photographer Kripakar recalled the interest of former prime minister Indira Gandhi in conserving the forest and tigers and stated that other politicians were not interested in wildlife.</p>.<p>"Wildlife sanctuaries were her dreams and the environmentalists should remember her," he said.</p>.<p>A book on the birds spotted during the 2020-21 was released.</p>.<p>Bandipur Tiger Project director S R Natesh, ACFs Ravikumar and Paremesh were present.</p>