Kawal Bird Festival begins in Mancherial

On the first day, Dr Shantaram from Institute of Birds Studies, Rishi Valley School, lectured on a topic titled learning through birds

Mancherial: A two-day-long national-level event titled Kawal Bird Festival began at Integrated District Officers Complex here on Saturday. The event is being jointly hosted by the forest department and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

On the first day, Dr Shantaram from Institute of Birds Studies, Rishi Valley School, lectured on a topic titled learning through birds. Dr Biksham Gujja, a wetland expert, narrated how wetlands and biodiversity could be well managed. Anurag Mishra, an IFS officer from Odisha described efforts of the State in conservation of birds using a powerpoint presentation.

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Dr Sathiya Selvam of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) explained why birds migrate from one habitat to another habitat. Sriram Ram Reddy, a renowned wildlife photographer and member of Hyderabad Birding Pals delved on challenges and merits in wildlife photography. Sanjeev Menon from State of India’s Nords and Dr Robin Vijayan of IISER Tirupathi also spoke.

Nearly 500 bird enthusiasts, students from Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI)-Mulugu in Siddipet district, pupils of government schools, teachers, researchers and scientists from across the country took part in the programme. Staffers of the forest department from both Mancherial and Kumram Bheem Asifabad district participated in it.

Prof Mamidi Mamatha of FCRI said that the event was educational and empowering. She expressed satisfaction over the arrangements. She opined that the festival would help raise awareness among the participants, while promoting birding spots of Mancherial district.

Basar zone conservator Saravanan, Collector Kumar Deepak, PCCF (CAMPA) Suvarna, Kawal field director Shantaram DFOs Shiv Aasheesh Singh and Neeraj Kumar graced the event.