MLA Harish Janartha Flags Off Mini Marathon from Shimla Ridge on Wildlife Week

Shimla, October 4: As part of the Wildlife Week celebrations, a Mini Marathon was organised today at the historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla by the Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. Shimla Urban MLA Harish Janartha attended the event as the chief guest and flagged off the Mini Marathon, encouraging the participants to take part in the run with enthusiasm and spread the message of wildlife and environmental conservation.

A large number of children and young people participated enthusiastically in the event. The Mini Marathon was organised with the objective of creating greater awareness among the public, particularly the younger generation, about wildlife conservation, healthy living and protection of the environment. The event also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while developing a sense of responsibility towards nature and wildlife.

Two race categories of 5 kilometres and 8 kilometres were organised during the Mini Marathon. Competitions were held separately for men and women. Participants securing the first, second and third positions in both categories were awarded cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively, along with certificates and trophies in recognition of their performance.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Harish Janartha said that participation of children and youth in sports activities plays an important role in encouraging them to adopt a healthy, active and disciplined lifestyle. He emphasised that wildlife and the natural environment are invaluable assets and their conservation is essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Janartha said that the protection of wildlife and the natural environment is not the responsibility of any single department but a collective responsibility of society as a whole. He added that programmes such as the Wildlife Week celebrations and the Mini Marathon provide an effective platform to spread awareness about the importance of conserving wildlife and protecting the environment.

He further encouraged children and young people to actively participate in sports and environmental initiatives and contribute towards building a healthier society while ensuring the protection of nature and wildlife for future generations.

The Mini Marathon not only promoted physical fitness and an active lifestyle but also carried an important message of wildlife conservation and environmental responsibility, making it a meaningful part of the Wildlife Week celebrations in Shimla.