Bhopal: School children and BPL card holders in Madhya Pradesh will be given free entry into the national parks across the state during the Wildlife Week which started on Wednesday, state Forest Minister Vijay Shah said.

Shah made the announcement at a function at Van Vihar National Park here on Thursday, an official release said.

Shah said several competitions will be held during the week to spread awareness about wildlife in the young generation and encourage the habit of conservation of forests among them, it said.

The minister hoped that students participating in various painting competitions, being held during the week, will be able to send the message of wildlife and forest conservation more effectively through their creative work.

Urging the students to welcome their guests with plants instead of flowers as plants inspire others to live, Shah also announced that the students securing first, second and third positions in the contest will be taken on the tour of national parks in the state free of cost.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P.B. Gangopadhaya said through the Wildlife Week, efforts are being made to seek cooperation of various sections of the society in the conservation of forests and wildlife. IANS