Stop ritualistic hunting.

• The Sikari Utsav, a regional festival celebrating hunting tradition, is a significant challenge in wildlife protection in south-west Bengal.

• The festival, held during the dry season, attracts thousands of villagers and people from neighboring districts to hunt small wildlife species.

• This practice affects wildlife and adds pressure on under-resourced forest authorities.

• The festival coincides with the peak period of forest fires, causing further environmental damage.

• The forests of south-west Bengal are vast and easily accessible, with human settlements around forest areas.

• The Forest Department struggles to guard such a vast ecosystem due to limited manpower.

• The practice of hunting during the Sikari Utsav is justified by its cultural significance, but the biodiversity and environmental consequences are undeniable today.

• There is an urgent need for awareness and change to protect wildlife from overexploitation and human encroachment.

• The current trajectory of environmental degradation could lead to the extinction of many species.

• The Joint Forest Management model has shown that people can play a positive role in forest conservation.

• More time and energy should be invested in building awareness campaigns, ensuring law enforcement, and strengthening infrastructure.

• Engaging with local communities and educating them about the long-term benefits of sustainable living and the importance of preserving biodiversity is crucial.