Gorakhpur Observes World Wetlands Day with Birdwatching Extravaganza
In a vibrant celebration of ecological awareness, nature lovers assembled at the wetland area within Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur on Monday to commemorate World Wetlands Day through an engaging birdwatching session. The event attracted a diverse crowd, including officials from the forest department, zoo authorities, avid birdwatchers, enthusiastic students, and dedicated environmental activists.
Collaborative Efforts and Early Morning Observations
The programme was jointly organized by the Gorakhpur Forest Division, Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park, and the Heritage Foundation, kicking off in the early morning hours. Participants focused intently on observing both local and migratory bird species that inhabit the wetland, using binoculars to enhance their viewing experience.
Experts on hand assisted in identifying various waterbird species, such as the painted stork, Asian openbill, grey heron, and common coot. They provided detailed explanations about the birds' behaviors and life cycles, enriching the educational aspect of the event.
Emphasizing Wetland Importance and Conservation Messages
Anita Agrawal, patron of the Heritage Foundation, underscored the critical role wetlands play in biodiversity conservation, water storage, groundwater level maintenance, and climate balance. She noted that a rise in bird populations serves as a clear indicator of a healthy wetland ecosystem.
Sahil Mahfooz encouraged students to create bird checklists and disseminate messages related to wildlife conservation, fostering a sense of responsibility among the younger generation. Zoo ranger Gaurav Verma and ranger Shyam Bihari highlighted that the zoo's wetland acts as a vital natural habitat within the urban environment, supporting a diverse array of bird species year-round.
Broad Participation and Concluding Pledge
The event saw participation from students of the microbiology department at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, along with district project officer of Namami Gange Ashish Jaiswal, Heritage Foundation members Manish Chaubey and Ashish Kumar, and experts from the Wildlife Institute of India's wetlands centre.
The programme concluded with all attendees taking a solemn pledge to protect wetlands and uphold cleanliness standards, reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship.
