VC SKUAST-K inaugurates Training Program on Forensic Frontiers in Wildlife Crime Investigation
Srinagar, Jun 2: A three day specialised capacity building training program on “Forensics Frontiers in Wildlife Crime Investigation” for the officers and frontline staff of Forests/Wildlife, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments was inaugurated today.
The event was organised by the Division of Wildlife Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection (DWP), J&K and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir today on 2nd of June 2025 at SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar.
Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Chief Guest of the program while appreciating the continuous and painstaking efforts of Dr. Khursheed Ahmad, Head Division of Wildlife Sciences and the support and cooperation of the Department of Wildlife Protection, emphasised the dire need for such specially designed programs for building professional capacities in wildlife crime detection and investigation to combat illegal wildlife trade in the region.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the need for revamping of the syllabus of the environmental Sciences in the schools largely oriented towards wildlife conservation for awareness and education of our children at primary and secondary levels.
Prof. Khursheed Ahmad, Program coordinator & Head, Division of Wildlife Sciences, SKUAST-Kashmir welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Prof. Ahmad while briefing about the program highlighted the growing challenges in wildlife crime investigation and confiscations, and provided critical insights on traditional and modern approaches of wildlife crime control in J&K. Dr. (Capt.) Parag Nigam, Head Department of Wildlife Health Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, while speaking on the occasion provided an overview on the recent advances in the field of wildlife forensics, crime reporting and briefed about the importance of proper documentation of wildlife crime cases for efficient conviction in the court of law.
Dr. Khursheed Alam Khan, Dy. Director Incharge J&K MOEFCC also shared his views on the subject and highlighted the overarching role of MOEFCC in Wildlife Conservation. Prof. S. A. Gangoo, Dean Students Welfare, SKUAST also spoke on the event. Dr. Tawqir Bashir, Assistant Professor, Division of Wildlife Sciences, SKUAST-K proposed the formal vote of thanks, and underlined the event as significant step towards wildlife conservation in J&K.
