Bilal Habib
PAMPORE, February 24: The Forest Department Division Awantipora organized a Bird Watching Festival under the name “Jashn-Nau-Bahaar” at Chatlam Wetland area of Model Forest Range Pampore in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday.
Division Forest Officer (DFO) Awantipora, Sajad Ahmad, and Range Officer Pampore, Dr. Muneesa Banday, along with other officials from the Forest and Wildlife departments and Government Degree College Pampore were present on the occasion.
A number of students from GDC Pampore and bird-watching lovers also attended the festival, making it a memorable occasion.
Officials said the event aimed to promote eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, and environmental awareness in the region.
Talking to Kashmir Convener, Range Officer Pampore, Dr. Muneesa Banday, said the purpose of this programme is public outreach, aiming to raise awareness among the coming generations. “As part of this initiative, a Bird Watching Festival has been organized at Pampor’s famous Chatlam Wetland, where thousands of migratory birds from various countries arrive every year”.
She said that the festival is primarily focused on engaging the youth. In collaboration with Government Degree College Pampore, they are celebrating the Bird Watching Festival today.
Additionally, various other activities are being conducted, including a plantation drive at GDC Pampore. A special female trekking programme is also taking place at the Wasturwan trek area of Pampore forest Range.
On the third day, young school children will be taken to the Natural School in the Khrew area, where they will attend natural learning sessions. They will be introduced to different aspects of the forest, including various types of plants, herbs, and birds, to spark their interest in nature.
Talking to Kashmir Convener, DFO Awantipora, Sajad Ahmad, said they invited college students and the youth to encourage their enthusiasm and interest in nature, helping them develop a deeper connection with it.
“This event is not just about bird watching; we aim to provide them with as much information as possible. Our goal is to inspire these college students so that they may become guides in the future”.
