Union minister Harsh Vardhan today emphasised on the need for spreading awareness and sensitisation on crimes against wildlife, saying that many species are on the verge of extinction.
Addressing the inaugural session of the seminar on 'Role of security forces in combating wildlife crimes' organised by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), he underlined the need for human beings to live in harmony with nature, as an increasing number of animal species are endangered.
The Union environment and forest minister cautioned that if care is not taken then the younger generation will see forests and wild animals only in books.
He also lauded the SSB for doing a "difficult job", since it guards the open borders with friendly neighbouring countries, where force alone cannot be used to enforce the law of the land.
The SSB, a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, guards the borders along Nepal and Bhutan.
He pointed out that development activities have increased tremendously after India's Independence and in this process, people destroyed the natural abode of wild animals by cutting down forest for agricultural and industrial use.
The minister said that tremendous loss has already been caused to environment and wild animals due to human mistakes.
"Certain plants and wild animals either have either become extinct, or are on the verge of extinction, if whatever is now left with us is not taken care of, then in the coming days, we will see forests and wild animals only in books," he said.
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