Bilal Habib
Pampore, Dec 27: The five-day Jammu and Kashmir Bird Festival (JKBF)–2025 was inaugurated on Saturday at the Conference Hall of the Indian International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IISTC), Pampore.
The festival was formally inaugurated by Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir, Tawheed Ahmad Dewa, in the presence of former Chief Conservator of Forests S.M. Gilani, along with several other dignitaries.
Among those present on the occasion were Wildlife Warden Wetlands Altaf Hussain, noted environmental Lawyer Advocate Nadeem Qadri, officials from the J&K Tourism Department, the J&K Forest Department, and a large number of enthusiastic students and nature lovers.
The inaugural session underscored the importance of bird conservation, promotion of eco-tourism, and the need to protect the rich avian biodiversity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speakers highlighted the role of wetlands and natural habitats in sustaining migratory and resident bird species.
The five-day festival will feature birdwatching expeditions, awareness programmes, expert talks, and various nature-based activities aimed at engaging youth and fostering environmental stewardship.
As part of the programme, officials and participants also visited the renowned Chatlam wetland, where they observed several Siberian migratory birds and appreciated the region’s vibrant natural landscape.
A plantation drive was also organised on the occasion, during which officials planted saplings to promote environmental conservation and strengthen green initiatives in the area.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Environmental lawyer Advocate Nadeem Qadri said that the fourth edition of the J&K Bird Festival 2025 has been organised at the Indian International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKTSC), Dusoo, Pampore by the Wildlife Conservation Fund. He expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers of Pampore, team members, and the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department for their collaboration. He said that Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs), the Chief Conservator of Forests, and several other officials participated in the Bird Festival and organised a plantation drive during which hundreds of saplings were distributed as part of a free initiative.
He said that the main objective of the festival is to take the Bird Festival to the global level and attract birders from across the world to visit Pampore’s four wetlands, thereby developing Pampore as an eco-tourism destination. He added that, with the dedicated efforts of volunteers from the Wildlife Conservation Fund, this five-day Bird Festival has been organised. The first day of the festival is being held in Pampore, followed by bird tracking activities at Khrew and Batdalav, and a visit to Hokersar. The programme will then move to Manasbal, while the concluding function will be held at Dachigam.
Advocate Qadri further said that with public cooperation, efforts are being made to transform Pampore into an international eco-tourism destination. He emphasised that support from all stakeholders is essential, especially the J&K Forest Department, the Department of Wildlife Protection, the Protection Force, and the J&K Police. He also thanked officers from allied wings who attended the event and contributed to the success of the programme.
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