CHAMARAJANAGAR, 3 MAY 

The 'Yuva Mitra' programme implemented by Forest Department at Bandipur Tiger Reserve has been included in India Book of Records. The 'Yuva Mitra' programme is aimed at educating students about forests and environmental conservation.

This programme holds the distinction of witnessing the highest participation in an environmental awareness initiative in the country. A total of 8,410 people, including 7,019 students, 655 teachers, 197 gram panchayat members, 395 local farmers and 143 members of tribal communities, participated in the programme. From 3 March, 2023, to 8 March, 2024, a total of 162 awareness sessions on forest conservation were conducted. 

The Yuva Mitra programme, spearheaded by Dr P Ramesh Kumar during his tenure as Chief Forest Officer of Bandipur, started in 2023. Conceived on the Golden Jubilee of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, this initiative offers students free safari and nature education. An integral aspect of the programme is the issuance of ‘Environment Volunteer’ identity cards to participating students, underscoring their role as stewards of environmental protection. 

Initially tailored for students, the programme was extended to local gram panchayat staff, farmers and tribal communities.

Former chief forest officer and current Field Director of Tiger Reserve, Ramesh Kumar, said the programme played a key role in advancing conservation efforts. —Salar News